Clicker training is a positive method of behavioral training, perhaps best known since the 1970s when it was more formally introduced in dog obedience training. With this method, a device called a 'clicker' is used (it makes a clicking sound) to mark a desired behavior. The sound marker is immediately followed by positive reinforcement (usually a small treat or perhaps a brief moment of toy play). This training method of correctly pairing the specific behavior, via the marker, with the positive reinforcer is known as operant conditioning, a highly effective animal training technique.
Uses
Basic Obedience - Sit, Down, Stay, Heel
Problem Behaviors - Barking, Jumping, Leash Pulling
Dog Tricks - Build Complex Behaviors
Recently introduced in sports coaching and athletic training and certain educational settings - called "tag training" (by author and behaviorist K. Pryor)
Background
A training methodology used with many species including marine mammals, birds, horses, and cats. Clicker training is based on the theory of operant conditioning which pairs a behavior with a reward via a marker (in this case the click). When correctly done, this form of animal training can be extremely successful. It is based on positive reinforcement and does not incorporate direct punishment.
Featured
A puppy begins her Clicker Training journey...see how the owner/trainer first uses her hand as a 'target' to and does something called 'charging up' the clicker...lets the dog succeed for a number of tries...then moves on to some new things for the dog to figure out. Part of this training method is that the animal 'offers' behaviors - when they get it right, you click and treat - you can see this pup knows she needs to try new things to see what her owner wants her to do. The owner is giving her some hand signals (that we can't see - as cues - that the dog is learning to associate with the behaviors). This is a smart puppy - but most dogs can and do learn well this way - once they have that 'light bulb' moment of "oh it's partly up to me to think this out"...
Featured
A short video on teaching the 'touch' behavior. One of the first behaviors that can then be used to build upon for many other complex behaviors, tricks or assistance dog commands. See the comments below the video for great information from youtube members who are dog trainers on the importance of this command and how it can be used even by small children to help them connect with their dog...
References
Fast Facts
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History
Now a widely accepted animal training method, international use (beyond scientific or behavioral research) began in the 1970s by marine mammal behaviorists to train dolphins and orca whales living and performing at aquatic parks.
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Also Known As
Operant Conditioning
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Can be used to train many species
