Training your puppy from a young age sets the foundation for good behaviour, and using a clicker can make the process even more effective. Here's why clicker training works and how you can utilise it to teach your puppy new tricks:
Benefits of Clicker Training: Clickers provide instant feedback to your puppy, making it easier for them to understand which behaviours are being rewarded. Unlike verbal commands, which may have a delay between the action and praise, the clicker offers immediate reinforcement, helping your puppy learn faster and more efficiently.
Catching and Shaping Behaviours: Clicker training involves two main techniques: catching and shaping. Catching involves using the clicker to reinforce behaviours your puppy already does naturally, such as going to the bathroom in the right spot. Shaping, on the other hand, encourages more complex behaviours by breaking them down into smaller steps and rewarding each successful attempt. For example, teaching your puppy to wait before eating involves gradually increasing the duration of their stay and rewarding them for each improvement.
Consistent Practice: Consistency is key to successful training. While your puppy may take time to learn verbal commands, clickers can be valuable tools throughout their lifetime. As long as your dog associates the clicker with rewards, they will continue to respond to it. Keep your clicker handy along with some treats to reinforce good behaviour or introduce new commands whenever needed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching "Sit":
- Hold the clicker in one hand and treats in the other, allowing your puppy to see or smell them.
- Wait for your puppy to naturally sit or lure them into a sitting position by holding a treat over their nose and moving it backward.
- As soon as your puppy sits, click the clicker and give them a treat.
- Repeat the process until your puppy consistently sits on command.
- Introduce the verbal cue "sit" while your puppy is in the act of sitting, gradually saying it earlier and earlier before they sit.
- Once your puppy responds to the verbal cue alone, they have mastered the command.
By incorporating clicker training into your puppy's routine and being patient and consistent, you can help them develop good behaviours and strengthen your bond along the way.