How to Use Clicker Training for Dogs

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Learn about the clicker training device. It is just a small hand-held rectangular box with a metal strip that makes a click sound when you push and release it. When you pair it with treats like bits of cheese, hot dog, bread, biscuits and praise, it makes a powerful learning tool to teach good behavior.
Step 2:
Press the clicker as soon as the dog does something you want (for example, she sits).
Step 3:
Give one treat and one click for each right action.
Step 4:
Add the command "sit" as soon as you see he has learned that sitting gets a click and a treat
Step 5:
Focus on one behavior at a time or your dog can get confused. This way you can teach many actions, commands and even tricks very quickly.

Tips & Warnings

It's easy enough for the whole family to participate. Even children can use the clicker!
Clicker training is more powerful than just using words alone because the click sound is distinct and easily identifiable, whereas words are not. Also, the click has no opposite or negative, so if your dog does not display the proper behavior, there's no punishment…you just look for the next opportunity for success and click.

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