Clicker training sounds like it may be a load of B.S. But, once you catch on, you’ll be surprised at how quickly you can teach your dog the basics he’ll need in the field.
Bob the Boykin Spaniel is what I’d call a bird-dog-in-training. At a little over 6 months old, he’s at the beginning of what is hopefully a long, healthy, and productive time on this planet.
Together, we’re both working toward a future in which Bob will be my canine partner in both my home and the field. And if I’m both lucky and good at what I train him to do, we might just be able to put some birds in our freezer for future meals.
I came to the idea of clicker training thanks to my time in the horse world. A horse I owned had some issues with mental engagement, and clicker training brought her out of her formerly cranky shell. She blossomed once she figured out the game, and I figured if it worked for her, it’d work for my new pup.
At just 8 weeks old, Bob started his journey with clicker training. Forgive the pun, but man, did it click! And from there, we’ve shaped a bevy of behaviors for reliable and consistent performance under pressure.
Read on to get started building a more fun and communicative relationship with your pup, whether they’re destined for field trials or just your backyard.
What Is Clicker Training?
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Clicker training employs a specific and audible sound to mark behavior immediately, and then uses a treat to reward and reinforce the behavior. In clicker training circles, you’ll see folks use the sign “R+”. This relates to positive reinforcement, a notion that goes back to B.F. Skinner’s work in operant conditioning.
Essentially, the system uses positive reinforcement as a proactive rather than reactive training system. You could follow your dog around all day, use the clicker every time she does something you like (sit, lie down, come, etc.), give a treat, and easily shape a series of commands naturally, without ever using any sort of force.
This, of course, is not how many of us live our lives. Instead, we work in short bursts. And by clicking during the desired behavior, we are able to communicate to our pets that they are doing exactly what we want them to do. Following with a treat reinforces the behavior.
And once animals pick up on this game, they get very stoked to problem-solve and figure out which behavior it is that is helping them reap the rewards. Learning has now become a two-way street, and they’re in it to win it.
Don’t believe me? Teach a dog a few tricks with a clicker, get a really great treat (Chicken! Cheese!), and watch them cycle through all the tricks they know trying to get a click. It’s hilarious and impressive.
Gear Up for Clicker Training
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A Note on Operant Conditioning: No ‘Good’ or ‘Bad’
Getting Started With Clicker Training
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