Clicker Dog Obedience Training
Obedience schools and programs for dogs are in high demand in every state as pet owners strive to set and enforce specific standards of behavior for their dogs. Most of the time these dog schools rely on classical conditioning techniques, but now many pet owners are finding that a simpler and more effective way of training dogs exists.
Clicker Training
Instead of relying on classical conditioning this new way relies upon the use of operand conditioning, which means reinforcement occurs only after the response is given.
This reward based dog training program is called "clicker training" because with this technique the trainer uses a plastic device that makes a clear, metallic sound when pressed.
Through a series of phases the dog is trained to associate the desired behavior with a reward, with the sound of the clicker used to provide guidance to the dog. The clicking sound creates a constant variable that the dog focuses on and which over time creates an association in the dog's mind between the dog's behavior and the reward.
For more complex training, use may also be made of a "target stick" to lure or lead the dog towards the desired behavior, especially if it involves actions that take place over distance
Training Your Dog at Home
One of the great advantages of clicker training is that you can train your dog yourself at home without all the hassles and potential problems involved with bringing your pet to a classroom setting. All you will need to clicker train your dog is a bag of treats, a target stick and a clicker.
The most complicated commands may require several multiple colored sticks because a sequence of behaviors need to be instructed. If your training goals are very limited (such as just obeying simple commands) then the stick may be unnecessary. As for the more simple dog training goals clicker training is so effective that even a child can train their pet using the technique.
Rewards, Signals, and Target Actions
As long as the correct sequence of clicks and target sticks are used in a logical manner at every training session, the dog will eventually learn to perform whatever behavior the trainer has in mind, sometimes with surprising rapidity. The key to successful training is to adopt a step-by-step approach where each click corresponds to the required movements.
By rewarding the animal at every step of the desired behavior your dog should have no problem coming to understand what the trainer wants it to do, but go slow at first and be prepared at the beginning to reward even the smallest steps toward the target action if necessary.
There is no reason when using clicker training to have to resort to physical punishments. Simple verbal cues such as firmly stating the word "wrong" and then trying the behavior again will impress on the dog the right way to move.
With patience and encouragement your dog will learn to perform as desired using the clicker dog training program.
Obedience schools and programs for dogs are in high demand in every state as pet owners strive to set and enforce specific standards of behavior for their dogs. Most of the time these dog schools rely on classical conditioning techniques, but now many pet owners are finding that a simpler and more effective way of training dogs exists.
Clicker Training
Instead of relying on classical conditioning this new way relies upon the use of operand conditioning, which means reinforcement occurs only after the response is given.
This reward based dog training program is called "clicker training" because with this technique the trainer uses a plastic device that makes a clear, metallic sound when pressed.
Through a series of phases the dog is trained to associate the desired behavior with a reward, with the sound of the clicker used to provide guidance to the dog. The clicking sound creates a constant variable that the dog focuses on and which over time creates an association in the dog's mind between the dog's behavior and the reward.
For more complex training, use may also be made of a "target stick" to lure or lead the dog towards the desired behavior, especially if it involves actions that take place over distance
Training Your Dog at Home
One of the great advantages of clicker training is that you can train your dog yourself at home without all the hassles and potential problems involved with bringing your pet to a classroom setting. All you will need to clicker train your dog is a bag of treats, a target stick and a clicker.
The most complicated commands may require several multiple colored sticks because a sequence of behaviors need to be instructed. If your training goals are very limited (such as just obeying simple commands) then the stick may be unnecessary. As for the more simple dog training goals clicker training is so effective that even a child can train their pet using the technique.
Rewards, Signals, and Target Actions
As long as the correct sequence of clicks and target sticks are used in a logical manner at every training session, the dog will eventually learn to perform whatever behavior the trainer has in mind, sometimes with surprising rapidity. The key to successful training is to adopt a step-by-step approach where each click corresponds to the required movements.
By rewarding the animal at every step of the desired behavior your dog should have no problem coming to understand what the trainer wants it to do, but go slow at first and be prepared at the beginning to reward even the smallest steps toward the target action if necessary.
There is no reason when using clicker training to have to resort to physical punishments. Simple verbal cues such as firmly stating the word "wrong" and then trying the behavior again will impress on the dog the right way to move.
With patience and encouragement your dog will learn to perform as desired using the clicker dog training program.
Wolfram Merz is a clicker training expert. For more great information on clicker training, visit http://www.clickertraininginformation.org.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wolfram_Merz
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