The Basics of Clicker Training + Positive Reinforcement

To be able to use Clicker Training, it is a good idea to know exactly how one goes about using this method before giving a shot. First off, begin by going to your local pet store and looking around the counter for little box-like objects. These objects are the cheapest and easiest way to training your canine!

Once you have obtained your 'magic box', test it out! The click makes a unique and interesting noise. This generally gains the dog's interest. When you test it out on your dog for the first time, you should have a hidden stash of treats in your hand, pocket or near by. Simply click the clicker and treat. This will help create a new bond of connection for your dog. Soon, he will realize that click = treat.

Once your dog understands that click equates to treat, you should always be sure to provide some sort of treat or praise after using the clicker; to reward your dog. The clicker's roots lie deep in Positive Reinforcement. Positive Reinforcement is a very excellent way to train a dog. The reason being is that dogs are social creatures and they love their family. I can't exactly say they want to please -- not all dogs were born to please, but most dogs like to listen to their owners when they ask something of them.

When you praise an animal for doing something that you ask of them, then it makes them happy. You are helping make a connection for your dog to understand. Dog's don't speak our language and we don't speak theirs -- but as the superior intellect in the relationship, it is our job to be able to help aid our animals in having a good understanding and smooth connection. If you punish your dog for doing something wrong, you are severing these bonds.

Now, i'm not saying punishing is a bad thing. Sometimes dogs need a time out, but dogs aren't humans. Dogs forget what mistake they've made -- and so they'll associate punishment with the person who punished them. And this is when a dog starts to distrust its' owners.