Trainer's Corner

Just a Click Away!
By: Audrey Tucker, CPDT

What is a clicker anyway?  For many people who utilize marking as part of their overall training regimen, a simple “yes” serves the same purpose as a “click”.  So why is there a need for this additional equipment?  Because research indicates that “clicking” may actually work better than voice alone…

Let’s start with defining “clicker”.  A clicker is someone or something that clicks.  In this case, it is a small device that makes a short, distinct sound when activated by a push of the handler’s finger.  Just like the word “Yes”, a “click” can be used to mark the moment Fido does exactly what you want.

So why bother using this particular new fangled device?  Different forms of clickers have been used to train animals since the 1930’s!  This technology was first introduced as a method of training pigeons for part of B.F. Skinner’s research.  The work of this leading psychologist spanned the creation of the operant conditioning chamber to schedules of reinforcement and more.  His impact on the field of psychology is still evident today. 

Despite the fact that psychology is also an important component of dog training, people have been slow to incorporate clicker training into their relationships with their very best friends.  Clicker technology did not reach dog trainers until the 1990’s.

As the following reasons will illustrate, clicker training works well because it is a safe, humane method of communication that is also extremely effective. 

1. The click is more attention grabbing than a word because it is a unique sound that Fido does not typically hear in common, everyday situations.  In most families, “Yes” is used as a part of everyone’s daily conversations with each other, including Fido. 

2. Because of the speed at which the click can be delivered, it is much more precise in marking the exact moment that the behavior is presented.

3. The click is “just” a sound … it shows absolutely no emotion.  As well intentioned as our words may be, they may be uttered with a tone of voice and body language that could give Fido mixed signals.  Cooing the words “Oooo, you are such a good dog; you did exactly what I asked you to do” while cuddling Fido is great.  But how about the “Yes, finally you sat; that took you long enough; you knew what I wanted; you were just being stubborn” statement which is delivered with a tone of frustration?  The click removes all that emotion and is presented consistently each and every time.

4. A click is also not part of most languages.  Humans are such verbal creatures that we aren’t often aware of all the white noise we present to poor Fido … who works very hard to sort out the important words from the long sentences we ask him to parse on a daily basis!  Instead, the click presents clarity in communication that is not always available.

Because of these reasons, and others, one research study has been able to demonstrate a one-third reduction in training time for handlers who make a commitment to using a clicker consistently.

Occasionally, there will be some dogs who are so sensitive to sound that the click is simply too loud, too intense, and too frightening.  To help the handlers of these dogs utilize clicker technology, there have been a wide variety of options developed for today’s market.  These new products can control the volume of the click, the tone of the click, and can even present a variety of clicker styles within the same device.  Multiple “clicks” on the same unit can be especially beneficial when training multiple dogs at the same time.  Or before investing time and money in a specialized clicker, people can consider trying something easier…a retractable ballpoint pen.

“Clicker” trainers often see Fido learning faster, retaining commands longer, and presenting a happy response to the sound of the click.  The clicker has been used to train over 140 different species of animal.  So, give it a try with Fido and see if it clicks!

 

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