Sarasota Obedience Training Club

CLICKER TRAINING

NEW Clicker classes being offered!

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!

Clicker Training Level 1 Register Now!
Class Fee $95*
Classes are 50-60 minutes long and meet once a week for 6 weeks.

The first class is for handlers only. Dogs remain at home so the handlers can learn basic clicker training techniques. Dogs attend the next 5 weeks.
Also known as "Companion" dog obedience.
For dogs 5 months or older.
Handlers learn to train their dogs using a clicker and treats in a group situation.
Dogs are trained using a buckle collar, martingale collar or properly fitted head halter, and a four-six foot lead.
This class uses only positive training methods and positive reinforcement (no correction or punishment) and will include many training tips.
Basic behaviors taught include Attention, Sit, Down, Come, Heel Position, Wait, Sit for Petting, Loose Leash Walking, Stand, Take it, Leave it, Stay, Distraction Work and more.
Maximum class size is 8 dogs; minimum class size is 4 dogs.
Please see our Class Policies for more information.

Start Date

Class Time

Instructor

Assistants

Classes forming Now
Please call for dates
374-SOTC

*Effective July 1, 2007, all Active SOTC Members will receive a $10 discount on each class.