What is clicker training?
- Sarah Groves
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
By Sarah Groves Dog Training - puppy trainer Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot and surrounding areas
If you’ve heard about clicker training but aren’t quite sure what it is or how to start, you’re in the right place. It’s a simple, kind, and effective way to teach your dog using positive reinforcement, and once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever trained without it!
If you’ve ever seen someone using a little plastic gadget that makes a “click-click” sound while training their dog, you’ve already seen clicker training in action. It’s fun, clear, and a brilliant way to help your dog learn new things quickly and happily.
What is clicker training?
Clicker training is all about rewarding your dog for getting things right.
The clicker is just a small 'buttin like' tool that makes a clear sound to mark the exact moment your dog does what you want. Think of it as saying “yes, that’s it!” in a language your dog instantly understands.
Each time you click, you follow up with a treat or reward. Before long, your dog learns that the click means good things are coming, and they start to repeat the behaviours that earn that sound.
How does clicker training work?
Clicker training is a poisitve reinforcement training method, and we can call the clicker a 'communication tool'.
So lets's say your dog does something you like - for example, they sit when you ask. As soon as that bum hit's floor, you immediately click, then give a treat. The click helps your dog understand exactly which action earned the reward.
Timing is key here. The click needs to happen at the exact moment your dog does the behaviour you want.
Dogs learn much faster when it’s clear what they’re being rewarded for, and the click makes that communication crystal clear.
Getting started
Start by asking your dog for a behaviour they already know, such as a simple “sit” or “look at me.” Hold the clicker behind your back (it’s not a remote control, and we don’t want to risk startling your dog with the sound).
Click the clicker at the exact moment your dog’s bottom touches the floor, or the instant they give you eye contact, and then follow with a treat. The click marks the behaviour you like, and the treat reinforces it.
Keep your timing sharp and your sessions short. A few minutes at a time is plenty, especially for puppies or dogs new to training.
After a few repititions, your dog will soon start to recognise the sound of the clicker as the marker point where they did the correct behaviour, and then you can start using it to teach other skills, from simple behaviours like a lie down, nose to hand touch or give paw, to more complex skills like loose lead walking in high distraction spaces.
Using clicker training day to day
Clicker training isn’t just for formal training sessions. You can use it throughout the day to encourage good choices.
Click and treat when your dog comes to you on a walk. Click when they choose to sit calmly instead of jumping up. Click when they settle quietly on their bed.
Soon you’ll find your dog starts offering those good behaviours more often, because they’ve learned that calm, polite choices make great things happen.
Clicker training is such a lovely way to build understanding between you and your dog.
It helps them feel confident, makes training clear and enjoyable, and turns learning into something you both look forward to. With a bit of practice, you’ll have a happy, eager dog and a stronger bond every step of the way.
Want to start training your dog or puppy and live in Swansea, Neath or Port Talbot?
Get in touch!
Call: 07891222454
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