It all started with a pact your ancestors made a long time ago with my ancestor the wolf. Human fed wolf who in return defended human. Since time immemorial, we canines have responded well not only to food, but to praise, and games. We get along well with humans because we have a lot in common. Like them, we are highly intelligent, extremely well socialized, and positive thinkers to boot.

Dog Treats and Canine Behavior

That is why it is so easy for you to tie your dog's behavior to treats. It's often said that dogs' stomachs have no bottom. Although that is stretching the truth somewhat, it is nonetheless a truth you can use to your advantage. Why you don't do it more often has befuddled me for a while. But last night, as I lay in my bed thinking, the light bulb went on: you simply failed to make the connection!!!

You see, many dog owners try to train their dogs mostly by punishing them. But that's all wrong. Rover won't understand why you are punishing him now for something he did even two minutes ago (not to say we're not intelligent, but our memory span is sort of on the short side). And even if you catch Rover in the act and he understands he did something wrong, that won't teach him what's the right thing to do, will it? Enter the clicker.

What Is Dog Clicker Training?

Dog clicker training is teaching your dog that what he just did was good by first giving him a treat while praising him - and clicking your clicker at the same time. He learns by association: every time he hears the clicker, he knows he did something right. As you slowly remove the treats from the picture, Rover learns that a simple click means he's been good. A little praise every time will ensure that Rover thrives as a good dog.

Just in case you don't know what a clicker is, it's a plastic box with a clicking metal strip built into it. Once you've learned the fundamentals of clicker training in dogs, you'll find a million ways to use your clicker. Why, you can even practice clicker training while playing games with your dog, to teach him to bring the ball back to you, or drop it. A good tool for obedience training.

Positive Versus Negative Behavior Training

A clicker can also be used for positive behavior modification training, say to boost a timid dog's confidence. And more importantly, it might save your dog's life.

If your dog likes running outside every time you open the door, you can use clicker training to teach him to stop at the door. Can you see why punishment might not work as well here?

Start puppy training on the right paw using your clicker, just as soon as your new puppy is ready to be trained, around six to eight weeks old.

Bonding will be much easier when you focus on rewarding him for his good behavior instead of punishing him for his mistakes, and he will grow into a happy, confident dog.

Now that you appreciate the value of clicker training in training your dog or puppy, you shouldn't assume that treats are redundant. Just because Rover no longer needs treats to recognize good dog behavior doesn't mean he won't appreciate getting the occasional treat, out of the kindness of your heart, just because he's so good ...

Amber, Dog Training Star


Amber has been sniffing out top secrets from expert dog trainers & behaviorists in order to help you understand & communicate with your best friend. Being a dog whisperer is truly the key to stress-free dog & puppy training.

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