| Becoming the first major improvement in dog training | | | | however, it triggers a reaction in the dog, telling him that |
| since choke chains and spiked collars, click and treat | | | | the leash will let him know where he will go and where |
| has quickly revolutionized itself in becoming a big hit on | | | | he will not. And if he reacts to the leash with good |
| the training circuit. Currently, there are over 10,000 | | | | behavior, his reward will be a nice leisurely walk. Click |
| trainers who are using this method regularly. | | | | and treat works the same way. When a dog hears |
| Used in the beginning to train marine mammals, click | | | | the clicker, he will know that he performed a good |
| and treat breaks down the process into two separate | | | | behavior and as long as he keeps hearing a click, there |
| steps, information and motivation. While other trainers | | | | are rewards coming to him. So, the clicker works as a |
| still emphasize on these two steps, they try to teach | | | | secondary reinforcement, teaching him boundaries and |
| them all at once, which can confuse the animal and | | | | appropriate behavior. |
| prolong results. | | | | A couple advantages of the click and treat method |
| Most trainers will verbally praise a dog for good | | | | include, 1) faster response than verbal praise. The |
| behavior, while at the same time motivating the dog to | | | | clicker can identify the exact behavior at the time it |
| repeat his actions. This can be a good method, | | | | happens, 2) it takes the place of treats. While |
| however it takes longer for the dog to understand | | | | motivating the dog to hear clicks, it will also teach him |
| which behaviors and actions caused the praise from | | | | to work without the expectations of having treats |
| the trainer. With the click and treat method, the | | | | given to him each time he does something good, and |
| processes are easily taught. In normal training, a person | | | | 3) if the trainer is working at a distance from the dog, |
| would say "good boy" when a welcomed action | | | | the clicker will still work, without having to be right next |
| occurs and proceed with giving a treat. The clicker | | | | him. |
| becomes a substitute for verbal praise and can | | | | A good method to use when getting started with click |
| actually catch the "good boy" behavior quicker than | | | | and treat is to stand in front of the animal. Click the |
| saying it, letting the dog know exactly which behavior | | | | clicker and give a treat. Continue doing this for 20-30 |
| he is being rewarded for. | | | | minutes, or until the dog becomes startled by the |
| First things first, in order to try click and treat, the | | | | sound of the click. This will familiarize him to the clicking |
| trainer must invest in a clicker, which can be found at | | | | sound, while teaching him that every time he hears it, |
| most pet supply stores. The training itself is quick and | | | | he has done something good. After he gets the hang |
| rather easy for the dog and his trainer. | | | | of it, begin by adding commands, such as "sit" and |
| Another way to look at click and treat training is | | | | "stay." |
| viewing it as a secondary reinforcement, while food, | | | | Click and treat has proven to be a simple, yet |
| water, physical affection and play (things the dog | | | | consistent training method with quick results. So for the |
| wants) become primary reinforcement. When you | | | | trainers out there who are looking for a new and |
| take a dog for a walk, the leash works as a | | | | innovative way to motivate and praise their animals, |
| secondary reinforcement. It is obvious to the dog that | | | | get out there, buy a clicker and.....click! |
| the leash is not taking him for a walk; the owner is, | | | | |