Clicker Training Facts
Basic Facts About The Clicker Training Technique
Many dog owners have heard about clicker training, but a lot of them have no idea what it's about or even that it is based on a scientific
method used to train animals for decades.
Operant conditioning is the scientific term for the techniques used in clicker dog training, but the process is far from scientific. Dog owners have been using this technique to train their dogs for a long time, and for good reason.
Here Are Some Basic Facts About This Dog Training
Technique That You Probably Aren't Aware Of:
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In a study entitled "Clicker Bridging Stimulus Efficacy," trainers discovered that clicker training reduced the amount of time most dogs in the study needed in order to be trained by 33 percent.
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In that same study, the number of reinforcements that were needed in order to achieve the desired behavior was also reduced in the clicker training group when compared with a similar group that was using verbal commands.
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As the study went on, dogs participating in the clicker training group also caught on to new tasks much more quickly than the dogs undergoing verbal training.
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Virtually any dog and most other animals can be trained to perform desired behaviors at the sound of the clicker.
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The use of clicker comes naturally to dogs because they are hardwired to please.
- Any behavior can be trained using this method of dog training, although complex responses may require longer term training in the form of shaping. So what, exactly, is clicker training? It involves the use of a small tool known as a clicker.
More Facts and Benefits with Clicker Training for Dogs
The device is really just a tiny box that fits in the palm of your hand. The box has a small metal button that makes a clicking sound when you press on it. By associating the sound of the clicker with positive rewards like attention or treats, you achieve the desired behavior in your dog because he comes to associate the clicker's sound with something positive that he wants. Your dog learns that when you click the clicker, you're looking for the behavior that you are training, and he does it because he wants the reward.
Clicker for dog training is much more consistent than verbal praise because there is no variance in the sound. Your dog is listening for sounds rather than words, and consistence is essential whenever you are training any kind of behavior. The idea behind clicking the device is rewarding a particular event, so it should always be used at the end of the completed behavior rather than in the middle of it. If you mark the middle of it, your dog will think that's what you're looking for rather than the completed action. Probably the best thing about clicker dog training is the fact that anyone can do it. All it takes is a little bit of time and effort.