What is "Clicker Training"?
Clicktrain FAQClicker Training, also called "Click & Treat" (TM;) Training, is a term to describe a type of training that uses a conditioned reinforcer, usually a cricket-like clicker, to mark a behavior that will be rewarded. Clicker Training uses the science of Operant Conditioning (OC), which notes that behaviors that are rewarded are made stronger and will occur more frequently.
Related QuestionsClickerSolutions Frequently Asked QuestionsClicker training is both a training technique and a training philosophy. The term "clicker training" was coined by Karen Pryor, who helped bring clicker training to the world of dog training. Clicker training, the training technique, is based on the learning theories described in BF Skinner's theory of Operant Conditioning. In clicker training, trainers use an event marker -- usually a noisemaker such as a clicker -- to identify behaviors that they like.Related Questions
Can I do Clicker Training in a non-clicker class?
Clicktrain FAQAsk the instructor of the class if the clicker and you doing things your way will disturb the class. If the class does not use positive reinforcement methods, you might expect the instructor to ask you to do something that might feel contrary to what you want to do. Otherwise, it shouldn't be a problem for you.
Related QuestionsThe linksIf your puppy pees when greeting or excited, see the submissive urination links. If this is a new problem, you may also want to read about physical causes of incontinence. A Practitioner's Guide to Housebreaking Puppies Debra Horwitz, DVM, Dipl. ACVB. An excellent article about housetraining that takes puppy stage of development into account. Canine Behavior Series: Housetraining - Kathy Diamond Davis provides answers to many questions in a Q&A format.Related Questions
faqClicker training is a type of precise positive reinforcement training that can allow you to train specific behaviors at a distance from your dog. Our Puppy and Canine Good Citizen classes offer instruction in clicker training, but clicker training is not required. Clicker training is very useful in agility training, flyball training,Related Questions
The links - framefree versionIs Housetraining That Difficult? - Outlines steps to successfully teach your dog to eliminate outdoors on command or indoors on paper.Related Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsClicker training is a simple and effective method of training based on a positive reinforcement reward system. The clicker itself is a simple plastic box with a metal tongue. When compressed it emits a double 'click' sound. The clicker is used to reward a specific behaviour and works on most dog's willingness to want to please their owners and earn their prize. The beauty of the clicker is that it is specific to the behaviour your dog is exhibiting at the time that you want to reward.Related Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Karen Pryor Clickertraini...Everything you need to train your dog today. Includes the new Clicker Magic DVD by Karen Pryor, along with a book, clicker, treats and training cards.Related Questions
Can you use Clicker Training with other animals?
Clicktrain FAQYes. As Jean Donaldson says, "To condition an animal, all you need is a spinal cord and brain stem." (She adds that "most dogs qualify"!). This type of training is used extensively with marine mammals and other "exotics". See Alexandra Kurland's page at http://www.crisny.org/users/kurlanda/index.html for horse training information, Sea World's marine mammal training page at http://www.seaworld.org/animal_training/mmtrain.html, and http://www.geocities.
Related QuestionsCan I mix Clicker Training with traditional training?
Clicktrain FAQMany listmembers would say you should not mix methods. As Gary Wilkes says, "Trust the Force!", meaning, trust that clicker training will work. However, some people do find that a combination of clicker training and corrections work for them and their dogs. Ask your dog - in other words, see how your dog reacts to the use of "corrections" or punishers.
Related QuestionsAre there any successful obedience competitors using Clicker Training?
Clicktrain FAQYes. See Karen Pryor's Clicker-Trained Honor Role and Acheivement List (or "brag pages") at: http://www.clickertraining.com/community/honor_roll/index.htm
Related QuestionsWhy does clicker training work?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Karen Pryor Clickertraini...Clicker training uses a distinct and consistent signal to mark a desired behavior in real time and then follows that signal with a motivating reward. Because animals understand precisely which action earned the click and their reward, they learn new behaviors quickly, easily, and enthusiastically. Lots of important reasons. The click pinpoints the behavior exactly so your dog will learn desirable behavior amazingly quickly—often from one, two, or three clicks.
Related QuestionsWill clicker training work with my dog?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Karen Pryor Clickertraini...Yes. Clicker training works with all breeds, all ages, all types of dogs, purebred and rescue, champions and house companions. With deaf dogs, substitute a light flash for the clicker.
Related QuestionsWhat's the origin of clicker training?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Karen Pryor Clickertraini...I have a History where I don't know when to wean my dogs from treats as well as what to watch for that they are ready to work on the same lessons off leads? Any thing to watch for especially to know when Dutchie is ready to work on what she learns off the leash I know it will be a while before she is ready for that. I have had my puppy since he was just under 3 months old. He is extremely active (when allowed) and affectionate.
Related QuestionsCan Clicker Training be used to deal with aggression, fear, or other behavior problems?
Clicktrain FAQYes. But remember that listmembers can not actually see you or your animal, and may not be experts in that problem. In other words, they're giving advice based on limited understanding. Consider their answers and make decisions based on your own understanding of the problem, and don't be afraid to consult with a local behaviorist.
Related QuestionsCan I use clicker training to train my dog for {insert dog sport of your choice}?
ClickerSolutions Frequently Asked QuestionsYes. Clicker training is being used successfully to teach all kinds of dog-related activities, including competition obedience, agility, tracking, Schutzhund, flyball, canine musical freestyle, field work, water, and draft. Clicker training is even being used to train service dogs. The behaviors are as reliable as those taught with traditional methods, and the dogs are genuinely enthusiastic about participating.
Related QuestionsWill it confuse my horse if I am clicker training but other handlers are not?
TrainingMost horses figure out pretty quickly who is clicker training and who is not. I clicker train our 6 horses and my husband and daughter do not (at least not all the time). The horses behave differently toward me than they do toward other handlers, but it has not been a problem. If I am working on a specific issue and I know the horse might offer the behavior, I will explain to them what I am working on and how I want it handled if they notice the horse offering it.
Related QuestionsWhy use a clicker instead of food lure training?
Frequently Asked QuestionsUsing food as reward is still an essential part of training, at least initially. However, using food rewards alone has some drawbacks: Some dogs will grow bored and stop learning if the treats are not used correctly and they are either undesirable or the dog becomes full. Treating can lead to the dog to refuse to perform a task unless the treat is produced, and many of these dogs will end up only doing as they are asked when the treat is on show.
Related QuestionsCan a dog that has been trained " traditionally" be "crossed over" to clicker training?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Karen Pryor Clickertraini...Absolutely. Crossover trainers are often amazed at the change that comes over their dogs when they switch to clicker training. Previously hesitant and shy dogs become enthusiastic and creative learners. To try clicker training with a dog previously trained with traditional methods, don't begin with a behavior the dog already knows—try something completely new and fun.
Related QuestionsIf I start clicker training, do I have to click and treat my dog forever?
Great Companions, Frequently asked questions about our train...NO! Just like when you use a choke chain or any other tool, it’s just that…a tool. Once the skill(s) is learned, you will need to fade the tool out of the picture. This means to make it less obvious, and to use more natural rewards. Using food is a “primary reinforcer”; it’s something that is required for survival.
Related QuestionsDo I have to use a clicker? Where can I get one?
ClickerSolutions Frequently Asked QuestionsThe clicker is just a tool -- there's nothing magical about the clicker itself. Clickers are a handy size, however, and easy to carry around. Very few major pet supply chains carry clickers. Instead, you'll have to get them through specialty shops, at dog shows, through clicker trainers, or from the Web. You can purchase clickers from either SitStay GoOut (http://www.sitstay.com), Dogwise (http://www.dogwise.com), or Karen Pryor's Gear Store (http://www.clickertraining.com).
Related QuestionsMy dog is afraid of the clicker! What do I do?
Clicktrain FAQMuffle the sound and click nonchalantly before Very Good Things like dinner and kongs. Your dog will get over the fear and you'll gain a very valuable tool. See the Keeper Page (under "Getting Started") for more information.
Related QuestionsClickerSolutions Frequently Asked QuestionsSome dogs are afraid of the sound of the clicker. There are a couple of solutions to this. One solution is to put several strips of adhesive tape over the dimpled end of the clicker. The more layers of tape, the softer the click. As the dog becomes used to the sound, you can begin removing layers of tape. Another solution is to use a different marker. Click the end of a ball point pen. Use the "bubble" on the lid of a baby food jar. Use a whistle or a flashlight.Related Questions
TrainingI have found it is easier to start a horse using a mechanical clicker as it is a unique sound that most horses have not heard before. It is also more consistent than using a voice cue. Once the horse understands about the clicker, I switch to a tongue click. This frees up a hand for other things and is also much easier to use while riding. I do know people who mount a clicker on a whip for riding, but I find the tongue click works just as well.Related Questions
Are you 'clicker trainers'?
Paws UniversityClickers are not our primary tool in training classes or behavior consultations. However, we are educated in many different training techniques and strongly believe that there is no one "right" training method or tool for every dog and will use clickers in certain situations. I prefer to use a clicker.
Related QuestionsWhere can I find a clicker trainer instructor near me?
Clicktrain FAQIf you don't find anyone near you, just ask the list. Not all clicker instructors have "registered" with Marge! NOTE: If you are an instructor, do all your future clients (and their dogs) a favor and tell Marge your contact information! It will also help if you let everyone know where you are. Putting your geographical location along with your name in your signature will often prompt people to either suggest local trainers or contact you themselves.
Related QuestionsWhen will the training be done?
Total Ministry FAQSpirit of the Heartland has three EFM groups already meeting, each two or three times a month.. Team ministers are required to attend. The groups are open to all interested and include people outside of our three parishes. Once a month the whole team gathers for group formation. Individual ministry-specific training or "Field Education" is included in the third year of the program.
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