Dog training can be more complex than it seems at first sight. For example, when rewarding your dog for a job well done, your timing needs to be almost perfect. That is, the reward needs to follow right after your dog did what you wanted him to do - if you are too late, that is not good.
For example, your dog may hear the praise right after he jumped at you, when you wanted to praise him for performing a trick. To solve this problem, it would be better for owners or trainers to use a clicker.
What is the clicker method? Well, it is a certain type of dog training that relies on a mechanical device (clicker) that makes a sound like a retractable pen. It is used quite widely.
The clicker reinforces desirable behavior combined with positive reinforcement or reward. It is an effective, safe and humane way to teach your dogs any behavior or trick.
So why not just praise your dog or give him a treat without the sound? Well, as you probably know dog training can be quite challenging.
This, in turn, can result in your positive feedback varying from training session to training session. That is, the way you praise your dog, your tone, your emphasis, and your loudness may be different each time.
When using the clicker device, the sound (i.e. the positive feedback) is always the same. There will be no variations as mentioned above, but it will simply always be the exact same positive feedback.
Additionally, your dog will come to associate clicker training (and the clicking sound) with his positive behavior. He will understand that the click follows right after his desirable behavior, which will enable him to connect the two. Hence, he will understand what behavior got him his reward.
Picture it like this: Every time after your dog does well, there is a clicking sound. It is like taking a snapshot of the behavior he just displayed - a behavior you desire. And your dog will keep that snapshot of the exact moment in mind when he did well. And this, in turn, will make him want to repeat it.
Learn more about Hund erziehen. Stop by Dirk Gruenberg's site where you can find out all about Hundeerziehung and what it can do for you.
