Clicker for dogs is a simple and convenient device for training and education. The device got its name because of the characteristic sound that it makes when pressed. Adaptation can help correct unwanted animal behavior and train new teams.
What it is?
Clicker for dog training is used relatively recently. In Russia, this method of training has not yet received wide distribution, but there is interest in it, and the device can be bought at every major pet store. But at home, in the USA, this method is considered extremely effective.
The very idea of using a certain sound during training came to dolphin trainers. A whistle was used as the sound signal . This method was adopted by dog handlers. The pioneer of clicker training is Karen Prior.
The clicker is a small box with a metal tongue inside. When pressing on the tongue, a click (click) is heard . This is a simple device, it does not emit any rays, does not emit ultrasound and does not shock the dog. No negative effects on the animal! Nevertheless, the use of the device is extremely effective!
What for?
Clicker for dogs will simplify the training of the animal with everything necessary. The principle of the device is to promote the desired behavior immediately at the time of its commission. Therefore, it is very important to signal on time. Then the animal will be clearly aware of what it is praised for.
Clicker for dogs can improve understanding between the pet and the owner. Clicking exactly at the moment of the desired action allows the dog to understand exactly what the owner likes.
Another plus of the method is that the dog itself takes the initiative, the influence of the owner is minimized. This allows the dog to better remember the action. The clicker teaches the dog to understand the owner, to think, develops the intelligence of the animal.
Click training completely eliminates punishment, acts only on positive encouragement. If the dog does something wrong, then not punishment, but ignorance.
What can you learn
You already know how to use the clicker for dogs. And for what cases will it be needed? What can a dog learn with a device:
- Good manners.
- Agility and resentment.
- To standard teams.
- Prepare for the exhibition, competitions, hunting.
The clicker is even used to train service dogs. It will suit both a very small puppy and an adult animal. How effective is clicker for dogs? Dog handlers say that the method works and is becoming more widespread.
How to use the device
Like any device, the clicker must be able to use it correctly. To achieve good results, you need to carefully study the methodology and have a good idea of what needs to be done and at what point.
- The sound of a click (click) should be associated with a pleasant one - dainty, verbal praise, affection, walk.
- Training should begin with the simplest thing - encourage the dog to come up, stretch out his paw, touch his hand.
- Use only one click. If you want to praise the dog more than usual - increase the portion of goodies, but not the number of clicks.
- Training should be regular. It is better to do every day for 10 minutes than one hour once a week.
- Do not punish the dog for unwanted behavior, make the main emphasis on the desirable. For example, to teach silence, we do nothing during barking, but we praise for silence.
- Clicker for dogs will help to master a variety of actions. For example, if you like a dog standing on its hind legs, click with a clicker. He will quickly understand that you like it.
How can I replace the clicker for dogs?
It’s better to purchase an industrial device. Its price is low - from 100 rubles. But if you could not find the device in stores, then you can make a dog clicker with your own hands. An automatic ballpoint pen can be used as a replacement. But keep in mind that you cannot write and click this pen just like that. In everyday life, the dog should not hear the sound.
As a clicker, you can use a piezoelectric element from a lighter. It also creates a distinctive click. How to make a dog clicker with your own hands? Just grab the metal lid from the baby food jar. When you click on the center, it also makes a characteristic sound.
For dogs with hearing loss, a click training system is also suitable. You need to replace the sound with another signal, for example, the light of a flashlight.
When to enter a voice command
You do not have to carry a dog clicker all the time. After the action is mastered, the dog will perform it without a special sound signal, by voice command. As a reward, use a treat or affection.
Before entering a voice command, you need to achieve the execution of the action with a click. And only after that introduce voice guidance. First, the animal must understand that it is encouraged for the fact that it carries out the command "sit". Then comes the understanding that she will receive a reward only if she performs the voice command “sit”.
Types of Clickers
The easiest option is a clicker for dogs with a plate. The owners note that you only need to press on the plate with your thumb, which is inconvenient in the winter, when your hands are in mittens or gloves. But the device makes a loud sound that can be heard well on the street. There are clickers with the ability to adjust the volume, many dog breeders like this feature of the device. The simplest option with a plate costs about 100 rubles.
The button clicker for dogs is convenient to press with any finger, palm. According to pet owners, this is much more convenient. But its sound is somewhat quieter, which complicates outdoor training. If you prefer to train at home, then a button clicker is best. He will not scare the dog with a loud sound and annoy the household. There are button devices with a fairly loud sound, but their price is higher - from 270 rubles.
There is a clicker for dogs with a special retractable pointer (target) - Clik-Stik. This device gives the trainer more options. You can teach the dog to touch the ball with his nose, enter the cage, walk alongside. Clicker with a target is indispensable in preparation for the exhibition, this is noted by many professional dog breeders. The price of such a device is from 700 rubles.