The Potential Detrimental Effects of Clicker Training Your Dog

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WARNING: Once You Start Clicker Training, Your Dog Will Never Be the Same!

Are you interested in clicker training your dog? Before you start, I just have to warn you about a few things.

Once you start learning about canine clicker training you might not ever want to stop! You and your dog might also develop a strong emotional bond to each other. Your dog might also like and respect you more than any other member of the family.

You might also find that your dog comes when called, walks loose on a leash, and sits quietly when strangers ring the doorbell.

So as long as that's all OK with you--go ahead and start clicking!

Clicker Training Your Dog is Both Rewarding and Addicting 

When I first started clicker training my dog Maggie I couldn't believe my eyes. Within a matter of minutes I could have her standing in the middle of a box, jumping over a hurdle, or dancing around in circles. Why couldn't everything in life be this easy?

We were both having a great time. I remember one day while rustling through our kitchen pantry I dropped a clicker on the floor. Maggie came running in the room and saw the clicker sitting there.

Tennis Ball DogShe immediately started going through her assortment of tricks--sit, down, play bow, sit-up pretty--trying to figure out exactly what I wanted. It broke my heart when I had to put the clicker away and try to explain to her that it was time for me to make dinner--not clicker time!

I also remember one occasion while watching TV and Maggie ran up to me with a clicker in her mouth. Apparently I'd left our travel bag on the floor and she pulled it out! I thought it was really cute that she ignored all other items (including her treats) and decided to bring me the clicker!

Training is meant to be fun for both you and your dog. If you haven't started clicker training your dog yet then you don't know what you're missing!

Visit Clicker Training Secrets and you can get started today.

Potential Problems You Can Have While Clicker Training Your Dog 

Some dogs may be afraid of the sound of the clicker. You can try muffling the sound of the clicker by putting it in your pocket or using the lid from a glass drink container instead. The clicking sound made from these lids is much softer. You can also try clicking from another room while your dog is eating.

If none of these ideas work you can substitute the clicker with another sound, like a soft whistle. You need to try really hard to find a neutral sound (other than your voice) as a conditioned reinforcer as this is an essential key to training using the techniques of operant conditioning.

Some people find that their dog isn't interested in treats. It's possible that the treat isn't "valuable" enough. Using plain old kibble, for example, just isn't going to cut it! Cooked liver is almost always a hit.

If you're dog still isn't interested in food you need to find something else that motivates him, like a favorite toy. A reinforcement in this case would be to click and let your dog sniff the toy briefly before hiding it behind your back.

Most times however, the problem is just finding a food that the dog finds good enough to work for.

Clicker Training Secrets has all the answers to your clicker training problems including the 4 Secrets of Becoming a SuperTrainer.

#1 Clicker Training Rule

Behavior is governed by its consequences.

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Lensmaster

ClickerTrainingSecrets wrote...

I love it! All I have to do is say "Bless You!" and my dog Maggie sneezes. Although I have to admit we taught her that trick completely on accident (without the clicker). LOL It just goes to show you how closely our dogs pay attention and remember every move we make!

ReplyPosted November 14, 2008

Lensmaster

JohannTheDog wrote...

Yeah for clicker training! I love my clicker, have since the first day I was adopted at 12 weeks old. Now I have lots of agility titles, do many tricks, and even sneeze when my Mum asks. Thanks for bringing this important info to pups and pup lovers! Woofs, Johann

ReplyPosted November 13, 2008