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challenging, especially when delivering a toy or treat from
your pocket.
The clicker, which makes a noise that is perfectly
consistent and distinct, eliminates this problem by
marking the exact moment your dog does something
correctly. Clicking right as the behavior is occurring tells
your dog that what he is doing in that moment has earned
him a reward. You may then deliver the reward shortly
afterward (a two second interval is best), even if the dog
has moved on to some other behavior.
3. Getting started with your clicker
To teach your dog what the click means, practice clicking
and then treating. Repeat until your dog clearly recognizes
the sound and responds with a look of anticipation.
4. Capturing and shaping
You may select any behavior your dog does on his own
and put it on cue, by clicking and rewarding when you see
it. Take picking up a toy or lying down. By clicking and
rewarding, you mark the behavior as something worth
offering. Repeat until your dog offers it frequently enough
that you can cue it ahead of time. Your dog will associate
the cue with the selected behavior, after which you only
click and reward it when performed on cue.
To shape new skills, begin by clicking and rewarding the
closest behavior you are able to observe or elicit. As your
dog offers it more reliably, gradually raise the bar, only
clicking and rewarding those examples that come closest
to the mark.
Your dog should enjoy working to earn clicks, and doing
so should develop his mind more fully.
