The Basics of Clicker Training:

Clicker training is based upon the scientific principles of operant and classical conditioning.  It is the same technique used to train dolphins, whales and sea lions at Sea World and other marine animal exhibits across the country.  Karen Pryor, a scientist and marine mammal trainer, introduced the method to dog training in the early 1990s and coined the term “clicker training” to describe it. (Visit www.clickertraining.com)

The “clicker” is a device that makes a unique metallic “click” sound which the dog only hears when we wish to communicate to the dog that what it did is something we like and want the dog to repeat.  In other words, it “marks” behaviors that we want the dog to do.  For instance, we make the "click" happen when the dog sits, lays down, comes when called, or “goes potty.”   For each "click" the dog recieves a "paycheck" in the form of a small treat (usually the size of a pea).  The dog will begin, very quickly, to associate its behavior with making the "click" happen, which in turn predicts the reward.  Dogs begin repeating the behaviors we "clicked" for because it earns a "paycheck."  Behaviors we don't "click" for will fade away since no "click" means no reward.  Once the dog knows the behavior, we add a word, for instance, “sit,” and then phase out the clicker.  Finally, we phase out the treat and replace it with praise (GOOD BOY!).  

Training a dog with the clicker method is really quite simple:  click (and treat) for behaviors we desire and ignore the ones we don't.  Managing the dog's environment so we set him up to succeed (for instance, keep the roast off the counter when the dog is left in the kitchen alone) is also important during training.  Anyone can do this and even kids (10 and up) can be great at clicker training their dogs.