What's Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a common term for positive reinforcement animal training (+R). +R training is based on the scientific principles of operant and classical condition. Behavioral research tells us that positive reinforcement (reward) of a behavior makes it likely the dog will repeat the desired behavior. Trainers who apply these principles have a set of tools that help communicate our intent to the dog and become the basis of a training language that both human and dog can understand.

Why Do We Use A Clicker?

Dog trainers commonly use a toy clicker to "mark" the particular behavior the dog should repeat to get reinforcement or reward, hence the name "clicker training". Marking the behavior with sound (CLICK!) helps the dog process precise information quickly, and speeds up the training process immensely. Once the specific behavior of offered freely it is then easily placed on cue by the trainer to have it under control.

Positive reinforcement of good behavior becomes the foundation of a great dog-human relationship, and is always a win-win situation. Applied consistently, the reinforcement of appropriate behaviors, along with strong leadership and well-defined boundaries, is the glue that hold a well-adjusted pack together for life.

To learn more about the science of +R animal training and the principles of animal behavior spend some time at the Clicker Training Library . You will find out about training dogs, horses, birds, marine mammals and more, as well as the scientific foundation of animal learning.