| Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement | | | | With dog training, the clicker training method |
| in the field of operant conditioning wherein the | | | | seems to work better than the other forms of |
| clicking sound from a mechanical device marks a | | | | positive reinforcement like food, positive attention, |
| desired behavior in animal training. Contrary to | | | | praise and voice reinforcements. This is due to |
| popular belief, clicker training is not solely for dog | | | | the fact that the click pinpoints the "desired" |
| training. This form of procedure is also popular | | | | behavior exactly. This eliminates the guesswork |
| among horses, cats and other pets. | | | | on the part of the animal, making the process go |
| Originally, clicker training was used as a method of | | | | faster. Incredibly, animals using this method have |
| obedience training for such unlikely trainees like | | | | learned new things in one to three clicks only, as |
| dolphins in wild animal shows and carrier pigeons | | | | compared to the weeks and months in |
| for military courier services. | | | | conventional non-clicker training. |
| Why clicker training works | | | | The clicker training provides a consistent marker |
| The process works via association. If an animal | | | | in which the dog receives the same information. |
| performs a specific task according to the | | | | Also, the sound of the clicker is very distinct, |
| instruction it is given, reward is granted | | | | which distracts the dog's attention from the other |
| immediately, accompanied always by the clicking | | | | stimuli in the environment. Unlike verbal rewards |
| sound. The animal soon associates the clicking | | | | like praise and verbal reinforcements, a clicker |
| sound as a means to a promised reward. The | | | | conveys no emotion whatsoever; thus the |
| longer the training process continues, the easier it | | | | learning process is not marred by accidental slips |
| is for the animal to follow instructions. | | | | of approval or disapproval in the voice of the |
| By far, this is the gentlest type of obedience | | | | instructor. |
| training. Using force and punishment to bolster | | | | This kind of training seems also to work on |
| obedience in animals has always been a | | | | puppies that are only several weeks old. This |
| controversial issue. This issue is always weighed | | | | means that basic obedience, good manners and |
| against traditional training versus the merits of | | | | fun games can be taught to the animal at an |
| such practice in the long term psychological health | | | | early age. Family members and / or pert owners |
| of the animal. Negative reinforcement may be in | | | | can be incorporate a bit of "clicking" in their daily |
| the form of aversive methods, caging, choke | | | | routines. A walk to the park, a family picnic, or |
| collars, force, punishment, sprays, and /or | | | | even watching TV can become a little training |
| withholding of food or toy. Behavioral training using | | | | session for the animal. This informal mode of |
| rewards has proven that animals subjected to this | | | | training even helps strengthen the bond between |
| learn new behaviors easier, quicker and with more | | | | the animal and its instructor / pet owner. Clicker |
| enthusiasm. They also end up healthier in body | | | | training is proving to be the most effective form |
| and mind. | | | | of obedience instruction so far. |