Thursday, 26 November 2009 13:58 | Author: Judy Stevens |
Training dogs has many methods and one of these methods is called Dog Clicker Training. It is used to train dogs, but was first introduced to train dolphins. It allowed the use of a clicker or a clicking sound to communicate to the dolphins as they swam under the water. The clicker method was found to be useful for other animals as well, including puppies, fish, elephants and other animals.
by JudyStevens
Training dogs has many methods and one of these methods is called Dog Clicker Training. It is used to train dogs, but was first introduced to train dolphins. It allowed the use of a clicker or a clicking sound to communicate to the dolphins as they swam under the water. The clicker method was found to be useful for other animals as well, including puppies, fish, elephants and other animals.
A clicker is a simple metal gadget that creates a click sound that does not waver in volume or pitch. It is a quick single sound that animals are not afraid of and can respond to quickly. This type of training is one of the most humane ways to train a dog. It does not hurt the body of the dog or injure the dogs ears. Dog clicker training is used to associate the sound of the clicker with the desired behavior the trainer or owner seeks.
With the sound of the click the dog instantly knows what behavior was commendable and will associate the click with the good behavior. When a treat is given without the click a puppy or dog can get confused as the treat is given when the dog has already changed behaviors. If the click is given immediately and then a small treat, this will help the dog know immediately what exactly he was doing to deserve the click, and then the treat.
At first, the trainer or owner will start clicker training by rewarding the dog with a click and a small treat for behavior that it is already doing. For example, if the dog is on a leash, and needing to walk slowly beside the owner, a quick click and treat will teach the dog that this behavior is good. If the dog starts to run ahead, or starts to chase a squirrel, the dog is not going to receive a click and a treat until the behavior is calm and walking next to the owner again.
Also, this is good to modify the dogs behavior if the dog has an issue with barking at people when they come to visit . This behavior is unacceptable and will not be rewarded but once the dog stops this negative behavior it is rewarded with the sound of the click once again.
Added to the click, body language and the sound of a command is also used to train dogs in clicker training. All of these methods paired together can bring about a strong sense of command and the puppy can learn at a faster rate.
Dog clicker training not only teaches the dog positive behavior and good habits, but can also teach a dog to reject bad habits such as chewing or barking. Dog clicker training is not just the responsibility of the owner to raise a puppy correctly but can add to the overall generation of the canine community. The dog will be a happier one.
About the Author:
Learn more about puppy training. Stop by by Judy Steven's site where you can find out all about dog clicker training and what it can do for you.