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CLICKER TRAINING

Use of a clicker is at the discretion of the handler
in our Clicker Optional Classes

As an alternative training method using only positive reinforcement (no correction or punishment), clicker training will help you build a positive bond with your animal that will last a lifetime.

Clicker training was developed as a kinder, alternative training method for teaching behaviors using positive reinforcement. You use a marker signal (the sound of a toy clicker) to communicate to the animal when it's doing the action that will pay off. You simply watch for the behavior you like, mark the instant it happens with a click, and pay off with a treat. The treat may be food, a pat, praise, or anything else the animal enjoys. If the animal makes a mistake all you do is wait and let them try again ... no correction or punishment is necessary.

Clicker training was originally used in training animals for which traditional methods of obedience training weren't useful. The system was first widely used by dolphin trainers who needed a way to teach behaviors without using physical force. (For example, you can't put a collar and leash on a dolphin, jerk and pull it through a hoop to teach it to jump.) In traditional training, you tell an animal what to do, make that behavior happen (using force if necessary), reward good results, and punish mistakes.

Clicker trainers focus on building good behaviors, not stopping bad behaviors. Instead of yelling at the dog for jumping up, you click it for sitting. Then, click by click, you "shape" longer sits until you have the final results you want. Once the behavior is learned, you keep it going with praise and approval and save the clicker and treats for the next new behavior you want to train.

Clicker training is fun and exciting for pets and people! Dogs and other animals quickly learn that the marker signal (the click) means, "Something good is coming." It doesn't take long for the animal to learn they can make you click by repeating their good behavior. They become enthusiastic partners in their own training.

Clicker training is exciting for animals and fun for us ... and it's easy to do!