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