Clicker training is an operant conditioning technique that uses a mechanical clicker to mark a dog’s behavior. Operant conditioning pairs behaviors with negative and positive consequences so that the dog acts in an intentional way to get a reward. In dog training, an antecedent refers to cues given for a desired behavior. With clicker training, you manipulate these cues by reinforcing the behaviors you want your dog to display and ignoring the undesirable. These cues may be simple commands such as “sit” or “stay” or they may be more complex tricks such as “roll over and play dead”.
Wait for the desired behavior. If you want to teach your dog to sit, just wait for him to do so naturally. As soon as he sits down, press the clicker to mark that behavior.
Reward the behavior. After clicking, reward your dog with a small treat or praise. You want the dog to associate this behavior with something positive. Repeat this process several times until he performs the desired behavior when he hears the click.
Introduce the antecedent. Now you are ready to name the behavior that your dog performs. You can do this with a hand signal or verbal cue. Make sure whatever cue you use is consistent and distinct. For instance, do not say “sit” one time and “sit down” the next.
Add in the click and reward for correct behavior. Now, you will help your dog associate the antecedent with the click and reward. Once your dog obeys your cue, then press the clicker and follow with the reward. Repeat this process until the animal consistently follows the cue.
Withdraw the clicker and rewards. Now that your dog associates a particular behavior with an antecedent, you can stop using the clicker because there is no need to mark the behavior any more. You can eventually scale back on the rewards, maybe offering a pat on the head when he obeys the cue.
Tips
In clicker training, undesirable behaviors are eliminated through lack of enforcement. For instance, if you want your dog to sit and he lies down instead, you should ignore this behavior. The dog naturally stops behaviors that do not reward him.
Make sure to start with simple commands before moving on to more complex actions. For instance, if you want your dog to crawl to you, teach him to lie down on command first. Then, work on getting him to move forward from that position.
Tips
In clicker training, undesirable behaviors are eliminated through lack of enforcement. For instance, if you want your dog to sit and he lies down instead, you should ignore this behavior. The dog naturally stops behaviors that do not reward him.
Make sure to start with simple commands before moving on to more complex actions. For instance, if you want your dog to crawl to you, teach him to lie down on command first. Then, work on getting him to move forward from that position.
Items You Will Need
- Dog clicker
- Treats
References
Tips
- In clicker training, undesirable behaviors are eliminated through lack of enforcement. For instance, if you want your dog to sit and he lies down instead, you should ignore this behavior. The dog naturally stops behaviors that do not reward him.
- Make sure to start with simple commands before moving on to more complex actions. For instance, if you want your dog to crawl to you, teach him to lie down on command first. Then, work on getting him to move forward from that position.
Writer Bio
Heather Mckinney has been writing for over 23 years. She has a published piece in the University Archives detailing the history of an independently owned student newspaper. Mckinney holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from University of Texas at San Antonio.