Clicker Training

Clicker training is a popular method used to train dogs and other animals including cats, horses, and dolphins. A clicker is a small handheld device that produces an audible “click” when activated. The basics of clicker training are relatively simple: “get” the wanted behavior, use the clicker to “mark” the wanted behavior, and then “reinforce” the wanted behavior with a reward. Unwanted behaviors can also be reduced with this type of training through a lack of reinforcement. Getting your dog to do what you want him to do with clicker training may be relatively simple. However, understanding why your dog responds the way he does just might require you to dig out your Psychology 101 text book.

Clicker training is based on the concept of Operant Conditioning. The dog learns from his environment by associating a behavior with a consequence. Consequences that increase the desired behavior are termed reinforcers and consequences that reduce the behavior are called punishers. Consequences must be immediately linked to the behavior with a click and rewarded with a treat or praise. With clicker training, you actually teach the dog exactly what he must do to earn his reward by marking the behavior.

Classical Conditioning associates a neutral stimulus with an antecedent condition until the stimulus elicits a certain response – think Pavlov’s dog. Pavlov measured the salivary response of dogs when presented with food. He then began to ring a bell prior to the presentation of the food. Eventually, ringing the bell elicited the salivary response in the dog even in the absence of food. Classical conditioning results in a habitual behavior whereas operant conditioning results in a purposeful behavior.

For more information on clicker training, consult the book “Clicker Training for Dogs” by Karen Pryor or research various dog training methods at www.apdt.com , the website of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.