How Does Clicker Training Work for Young Puppies?

It can be overwhelming seeing the many products sold for training your puppy. As a new owner, you may wonder, just how does clicker training work, and what is the clicker training method??

Clicker training is a way of providing your pet with positive reinforcement following the desired behavior.

A clicker is an amazing tool that opens up communication between you and your puppy.

This form of training has been shown to speed up the training time tenfold in dogs.

 Why Does a Clicker Work?

Although dogs have an inherent urge to please their owners, communication barriers often prevent them from understanding what it is their owners want.

The short, quick noise of the clicker given at the EXACT moment the desired behavior occurs enables your pet to identify the behavior you want.

Downtown Pet Supply Big Button clicker with Wrist Band for Clicker Training

 Do I HAVE to Have a Clicker?

Although clicker training as a term is common, to use this method, you don’t actually require a purpose-bought clicker.

All you need to use this method is a short, quick noise, – the snapping of your fingers or clicking of the tongue – a clear command, a bag of treats, and your furry little friend.

The Importance of Timing

The reason the noise needs to occur at the exact time your dog performs the behavior is to reiterate to your pet that they performed the right action.

Studies have shown that in order to associate the reward with action, a dog needs to receive it within 3 seconds of the behavior.

Helping Your Pet Enter Their “Learning Zone.”

As your pet begins to associate the clicker with training, the noise will become a positive sound that moves them into their learning zone.

Once in this zone, your pet will become focused on you, calm and relaxed – perfect for absorbing new information!

Consistency is key (once again!)

Like all methods of training, the key to success is persistence and consistent, positive reinforcement.

Clicker training has been shown to be one of the fastest methods of training.

Set aside time every day to train your pup, and they will soon be the best-trained pup on the street!

Withdrawing the Clicker

As your pet develops its new skills, you will be able to slowly wean them from the click reward for that action.

After the first few repetitions of the desired action, begin to use the clicker intermittently.

And then withdraw it for that action altogether. You can then move on to another command that your dog will receive a reward.

Fun, Games, and Life Skills!

Research shows that not only does clicker training work but dogs enjoy working for their rewards.

Your puppy not only develops essential life skills and behaviors, but they enjoy it along the way!

Mental stimulation is a huge part of overall health and happiness in pets.

Clicker training is one of many ways you can feed your pet’s thirst to learn!

Ready to go!

Arm yourself with your clicker and puppy treats to utilize this fantastic tool.

Does clicker training work?

Absolutely, and it is a cheap and effective way to train your pet while growing your bond.

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Dog Training Tips | How to Successfully Train a Dog
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