Golden Retriever Training: Jul 24, Clicker Training -- The Fun Dog Training Method

Clicker training is an easy, gentle, and fun way to teach your dog to become a happy, responsive, well-mannered companion.

Based on scientific research of the laws of learning and operant conditioning, it's a simple, proven way to communicate with your dog using positive reinforcement.

Have you noticed how quickly your dog learned what the can opener means?

Or that the doorbell means someone is coming into the house?

It seems almost magical how quickly they catch onto sounds and behaviors.

Dogs are very intelligent animals.

And Golden Retrievers are one of the smartest breeds (as you know!).

Clicker dog training is a wonderful way to use that canine intelligence to your advantage.

Best of all, to your dog, this training method is all one big wonderful game.

The game is simple: You have something your dog wants (a yummy treat), and he must do something for you, to get it.

In 1985, dolphin trainer Karen Pryor wrote a book, Don't Shoot the Dog, about applied operant conditioning.

She explained how anyone using this learning method could train any animal without force. Her book changed how people looked at dog training.

By 1992, dog trainers began using clicker training that they learned at seminars given by Karen Pryor.

You can find more information about Karen's seminars at her web site, along with numerous books and DVDs by Karen and other respected clicker training instructors.

While you're browsing her site, you can read articles and watch clips of training videos--free! She provides a great selection of books and DVDs on all aspects of clicker training to get you off to a great start or guide you in further training with your dog.

While clickers are new to dog training, the clicker (or some kind of event marker) has been used in training marine animals and birds for years.

Most of the animal actors on TV and in the movies are now clicker trained. Many service dogs that help the disabled, and many working dogs such as police dogs, are also clicker trained.

To create this learning magic, we use a small plastic clicker that makes a unique sound when you press it.

Clicker Most pet supply stores carry clickers.

Be sure to purchase several, so you'll always have one handy.

The clicker is a marker signal.

It tells your dog, "Yes, that is exactly what I want you to do," and promises him a reward (treat) for doing it.

You can muffle the clicker if the sound startles your dog at first.

Just put it in your pocket or hold it behind your back.

Dogs have very acute hearing, and some dogs are more sensitive to sounds than others.

You can use almost any food (except chocolate, raisins and grapes) as a reward. The food should be no larger than raisin-size.

Yes, toys can be used, but they tend to slow down the training process.

Vary treats often, and experiment to see what goodies appeal to your dog. Food is rarely a problem for a Golden Retriever!

Here are some popular treats to try: cooked boneless chicken pieces, pieces of homemade cookies or biscuits, Cheerios or other similar-sized cereals, chopped carrots or green beans, kibble dog food, string cheese, leftover steak pieces, pieces of commercial dog treats, popcorn, bread crust pieces, and croutons.

Dogs are never too young or too old to learn using this fun method.

Some breeders are sending eight-week-old clicker trained puppies to their new homes.

These puppies know sit and down, and are house trained.

Old dogs find clicker games very stimulating and exciting.

They keep the oldsters mentally alert and help extend their golden years.

Even dogs with disabilities can learn. Trainers often use a flashlight instead of a clicker to teach deaf dogs.

It's very important to keep teaching sessions short. Dogs seem to do best with sessions only three to five minutes long.

Golden Retriever Young puppies have very short attention spans and may need even shorter session times.

Is your lifestyle pretty hectic these days?

Traditional dog training (mostly drill) can be very difficult to squeeze into a busy schedule.

On the other hand, short clicker training sessions are much easier to work into your day-to-day activities.

People often wonder if they have to carry a clicker and treats with them at all times.

The answer is No.

You see, the clicker is a teaching tool.

When your dog understands what you want, you no longer need to use the clicker for that skill.

Treats are phased out as well, because your dog is so delighted to show off his new skills, he's quite happy with your verbal praise instead of treats for reinforcement.

Clicker training is like a game for your dog. He "wins" by discovering for himself that he can make you click and treat. It's tons of fun for both of you!

You can use this method to train your dog to do everything from simple sits to amazingly complex tricks.

If you'd like to learn more about this fun, positive dog training method, check out the wide variety of supplies and resources at Karen Pryor's web site.

Along with the great clicker training books and training DVDs, you'll also find different types of clickers, toys and treats.

She also provides a link to help you find a great dog trainer in your area who has training and experience in clicker dog training, either for classes or one-on-one assistance.