Clicker training is the process of training an animal using a small plastic box, containing a metal plate, which, when pressed makes a ?click? sound, indicating to the dog the precise behavior that was correct. Another term you'll hear often when it comes to this type of training is operant conditioning but the more popular name remains ?clicker training?.
Some perceived disadvantages of clicker training
There are a few commonly apparent downsides to clicker training. Probably the most obvious is the reliance on a clicker at all times but in practice the clicker is usually only used when starting out in training the dog in new behaviors or for perhaps ?refreshing? ones already learnt. Generally its use is not needed or desired after this. One other mistaken shortcoming with clicker training is that it cannot be used while you are in a group of other dogs but this has been proved incorrect in many clicker training classes where there a many dogs, owners and clickers in one place.
The benefits of clicker training
The most important aspect to clicker training and the reason it has become such a popular and effective training method is because the click ?marks? the exact behavior you want to correctly instill. As an example, consider trying to teach your dog a new behavior, whether it be to sit, stay, fetch or lie down. Traditionally voice commands are used and involve, often loud, instructions and quizzical looks from your pet. Once the desired behavior is achieved, the dog is rewarded with a ?good dog? praise from you, a treat or a pat. The problem with this is that by the time the reward is given, the dog has likely started to do something else so it is not clear to it what the reward is actually for.
Clicker training overcomes this by being used at exactly the time your dog performs the behavior you want it to.
Lock and load - How clicker training works
The first step in clicker training is to condition your dog to the sound of the click. Also know as ?charging? or ?loading? the dog is given a reward, typically a small special tasty treat, at the same time or immediately after the clicker is clicked. This is repeated several times, in dogs usually anything between 5 and 10 times until the clicker can be used when the dog's attention is elsewhere and just the sound of the click grabs its immediate attention.
The second part to the training then is to use the click and reward when your dog performs the exact behavior you want it to. Of course the most important part to clicker training is getting the click perfectly timed with the action you desire from your dog.
The benefits of clicker training have been proven time and time again and perhaps the most important one is how totally humane and rewarding the entire training experience is for both you and your best friend.
It doesn't have to seem like it is an impossible task when potty training puppies. You will have to have persistence and patience for it to all work. You have to show you puppy that you are the boss for the start. By instinct, dogs travel in packs and have a pack leader. Your puppy will get the upper hand when it comes to housebreaking a puppy if you don't put your foot down. You certainly cannot let that happen. Basically, what you want your puppy to learn is that he has a certain place to go and to only go in that certain place. Your puppy will eventually go potty because it makes you happy when you send clear and precise signals. Deciding who is going to help with housebreaking a puppy is the next thing that needs to happen. You will all need to understand the methods of potty training puppies and train in the exact same way. If you repeat the same steps and be consistent, your training will be a success. Potty training puppies can begin when your puppy is between 8 to 12 weeks old. When housebreaking a puppy the next thing you will need to do is come up with a schedule. A puppy will need to go potty every hour or two and after meals, after naps, after playtime, before going to bed, and in the mornings after he first wakes up. You will want to write down a schedule of your puppy's trips made outside, playtime, and his feedings. You must have how you are going to perform your routine in place. Determine exactly which door you will use to take your puppy out, and where in your yard you will be using for his potty spot. You will need to get a leash and collar and put them on your puppy. The biggest mistake that puppy owners make is letting their puppy run freely through the house when potty trianing puppies. Always have an eye on your puppy and what he is doing. Have your puppy on a leash and hook it to your belt or belt loop so you will not loose sight of him. You will want your puppy in his crate if you can't keep an eye on him. When housebreaking a puppy, the key is to have him on a leash when you take him outside to potty. This will train your puppy to know that you are taking her outside to potty and not to play. It will be confusing for your puppy if everyone is not doing the same thing. When you have reached the potty spot in the yard give a short verbal command like "potty." When your puppy starts to eliminate, give her a whole lot of praise and keep praising her until she has finished. When housebreaking a puppy always use the same verbal command and pretty soon your puppy will understand what you want her to do. After your puppy has eliminated on the right spot anoter thing you can do is give her a treat. It is very important to have a schedule of feeding times when housebreaking a puppy. A puppy will eat three to four times a day. Do not make the mistake that most puppy owners make by leaving food out all day. Leave fresh water out for you puppy all day....just take it up two hours before bed time. After your puppy has finished eating take the food bowl up then about 15 minutes after she has ate take her out the designated door on a leash to her potty spot. Be sure everybody sticks to the same training methods when potty training puppies. Consistency will be the key to your success. You will find that your puppy will not be as confused. Housebreaking a puppy will be less troublesome if you just follow these simple methods.
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Sarah Brogdon has sinced written about articles on various topics from Pets, How to Train a Puppy. If you would like to learn more puppy training, just go to You and your puppy will be a lot happier if they are well trained and b. Sarah Brogdon's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.