I think I have just zeroed in on why dog clicker training is such a success with the canine population.
No offense intended, but I have come to the conclusion that dogs and humans have a lot in common.
I have noticed that, just like you, we canines respond very positively to food, praise, games, and all sorts of other good things.
There is a reason why we have earned the reputation of being man's best friend.
In fact, there is more than one reason: we are both highly intelligent; we are masters at socializing; but above and beyond all that, we are positive thinkers.
Dog Behavior To Treats Have you ever noticed how easy it is to tie your dog's behavior to treats? Of course you have.
But have you ever thought of tying treats to clicker training? No? That is exactly the conclusion I came to last night as I was lying in bed.
You see, many dog owners take the easy way out and attempt to train their dogs by punishing them.
In the long run, it simply will not work, because Rover will just not understand why he is being punished for something he did a minute or two ago (this is one point where you and I have nothing in common: our memory span is sort of on the short side).
But even if you are lucky and happen to catch him in the act and Rover understands that he has done something wrong, punishing him will accomplish nothing in terms of showing him what was the right thing to do.
That is where the clicker comes in.
What Is Dog Clicker Training? Dog clicker training is basically a positive reinforcement method of training your dog.
When Rover does something right, you give him a treat and praise him, and you click your clicker at the same time.
He is learning by association, so that each time he hears your clicker, he knows he has done something right.
The next step is to take the treats out of the picture, while maintaining the praise.
A good diet of clicks and praise will ensure Rover's behavior keeps improving.
Maybe I need to backtrack here a little and explain what a clicker is.
A clicker is a plastic box with a clicking metal strip built into it.
It is very easy to use and, once you understand the fundamentals of clicker training in dogs, you will no doubt find all sorts of ways you can use your clicker.
A clicker makes a great tool for obedience training.
For example, you could use a clicker when you are playing with Rover: teach him to bring the ball back to you, or to drop it.
Positive Behavior Modification Training For The Timid Dog You could use a clicker for positive behavior modification training to boost a timid dog's confidence for instance.
But do you realize that a clicker could even save your dog's life? Let us say your dog likes running outside every time you open the door, you could use clicker training to teach him to stop at the door.
Can you see why punishment might not work as well here? Clicker Training for Dog Training And Puppy Training Too As soon as your new puppy is old enough to start training (around six to eight weeks of age), use your clicker to get off on a positive note.
You will find that the two of you will bond much faster when you focus on rewarding him for his good behavior instead of punishing him for his mistakes.
You will soon make a confident pooch out of him, and a happy one at that.
Now that you appreciate the role of clicker training in dog training and puppy training, do not simply assume that treats are redundant.
Even if Rover no longer needs dog treats to exhibit good behavior, he will certainly appreciate getting an occasional tasty tidbit, just because he's such a good dog...