Dog training tools: the clicker!

Keith Smith
NY Dog Training Examiner

A clicker is a training tool used to mark the exact moment Bella does something correct. If teaching the command “sit”, you mark the moment Bella’s butt touches the ground. It is a very simple and easy to understand language for Bella. Marking should always be used in positive reinforcement training. You can use a verbal mark such as “good”. The downside to verbal marking is our language is not normally consistent enough for clear communication with Bella. We tend to be very graphic when talking to our dogs. We will say “good” one time and then say “that’s good” or “good girl”, changing our words, tone or both. Imagine trying to learn to count 1-10. The first time the teacher counts: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10. The next time: 2 1 4 5 3 8 7 10 9 6, and then 5 4 6 7 3 8 9 10 2 1. If the teacher counted 1-10 repeatedly like the first time you would learn it pretty quick.

The marker always sounds the same. It is reliable and creates a very clear form of communication. Once Bella understands the new language she will start to respond better. If she had little motivation before, the new clear form of communication can help encourage her. If Bella seemed too energetic and lacking focus the new language will help clear her head and get her to focus. Motivation and focus = progress. Progress = a happy Bella and a happy human.

Check back for how to start a marker program!