Clicker training for dogs is a great way to get your pooch to learn quickly, keep focus and stay excited for training. It is also a great way to create an unbreakable bond between you and your dog. Clicker training, like most things, is a skilled trade. It takes practice and precise timing.
Here are a few ideas if you are struggling with you clicker training…
- Try videotaping yourself. Recording your training sessions with your dog will allow you to track his progress in the clicker training along with yours. Videotaping allows you to analyze and improve areas that you may be struggling with. You can also have someone else watch your videos with you and have them analyze areas you can improve. Sometimes someone else can pick out areas that you may need to improve on easier than you are able to.
- Have a plan. It’s way too easy to get stuck and not move forward if you don’t have a plan in mind. Make sure you are consistent on what you are going to click for and what you aren’t going to click for.
- Clicker training is all about timing and delivery. You have to time your click precisely and deliver the treats to him precisely or he may become confused on what you are asking him to do. You don’t need your dog to improve your mechanical skill for clickering. Try watching the news with your clicker in hand. Everytime the word “today” is said clicker. Your timing will begin to improve considerably.
- Do your research on clicker training. Watch videos, read articles and attend workshops from professional clicker trainers. Find out what they are doing, what works for them and why it works for them. They are, after all, professionals, they know the ends and outs of training. Don’t keep wondering why something isn’t working, find out for sure.
Clicker training for dogs can be extremely fun. Don’t get discouraged if things aren’t going the way you thought they should. Follow these simple tips, be patient and stay encouraged for your dog and you’ll have him learning new tricks in no time.
