Simple tips and basics for getting started with clicker training
Thisi Schmid
18.11.2024
Reading time 5 min.
Clicker training is a simple and effective method for improving communication with your pet and encouraging desired behavior. In this article, you will learn the basics of clicker training and receive practical tips on how to get started with your pet straight away.
Introduction to clicker training
- Familiarize yourself with the CLICINO
Before you start training, get used to the CLICINO clicker ring. Wear it relaxed on your finger and practise triggering the click.
- Prepare reward
Think of at least five different reward options that your pet loves. For example:
- Treat
- Toys
- Caresses
- Praise
- Race or play together
- Linking CLICINO and reward
Before you train behaviors, you must teach your pet that the click is a promise of a reward. Click and reward your pet immediately with a treat - regardless of what he is doing. It is important that your pet does not have to 'do' anything to be rewarded.
- Vary the reward
- Click -> Give a treat
- Click -> Start game
- Click -> stroke a favorite spot
- Click -> kind words and praise
- Click -> start joint race
- Practice timing
Practice clicking at exactly the right moment - as soon as your pet shows the desired behavior. Good timing is the key to success.
- Take breaks
After 5-10 clicks, give your pet a signal that the training is finished. This teaches him that there are also breaks.
- Change of location
Repeat the conditioning at two to three different locations to strengthen the connection between click and reward.
Clicker training - here we go
- Practicing simple commands
Start with simple exercises or behaviors that your pet already knows, e.g. "Sit" or "Look at me".
- "Look at me": Your dog looks at you for 1-3 seconds -> click -> reward.
- "Come": Your dog comes to you -> click -> reward.
- Practice other known commands using the same principle.
- Capture spontaneous behavior
Use the CLICINO to reward good behavior that your pet shows on its own:- Your pet makes eye contact with you.
- Your dog walks calmly on a leash.
- Your dog remains relaxed when distractions (e.g. other dogs) occur.
- Your dog remains calm while you put the harness on him.
- Tips: Write down which behavior you like and think about how you can reward it. This will motivate you to actively encourage good behavior.
- Practice new behavior
Gradually build in exercises that help you and your pet in everyday life. For example, walking calmly past other dogs or waiting for a signal. You can also teach your pet new tricks in a playful way, e.g:
- Give paw
- Run a slalom through your legs
- Nudge your hand with your muzzle
- Place the front paws on an object
- Shaping
Reward small steps that lead to the desired behavior. This allows you to build up more complex behaviors step by step.
- Target training
Use a target stick to show your pet where to move.
- Increase the distance
Gradually increase the distance between you and your pet during training. This will help your pet learn to execute signals from a distance.
- Add distractions
Practice in different environments, e.g. at home, in the park, in the forest, etc., so that your pet stays focused on you even when distracted.
- Train behavior chains
Combine several commands, e.g. "sit", "down" and "stay", to practice behavior sequences.
- Generalize
Repeat the training in different situations and with other people so that your pet understands the commands in every context.
Conclusion
Withthe CLICINO Clicker Ring and these tips, you can successfully start clicker training with your pet. Discover how many good behaviors your pet is already showing and have fun learning together. You will see how your bond becomes stronger and stronger!
Thisi Schmid
Founder, CLICINO Clicker Ring & Dog Trainer, Balance Dog School