Clicker training

[RubysGold]

Whats the point?
What is the difference between good behaviour = treat and good behaviour = click and treat.
I have learnt how to do it. And I do use clicker training. And I know that it is good way to train.
But I just dont know Why and feel I should know before I continue using it.

Thanks
Nickie

 

[Ranyhyn]

I think eventually the idea is association, the click then works on its own, therefore no need to treat.

x

 

[Spudlet]

The click is more precise than just a treat, so you can teach more advanced things. You can click at the exact split second that the dogs does whatever it is you want, so they get what they are meant to do more quickly. For ex, if you use just treats to teach retrieving, many dogs will spit out the dummy to get their treat more quickly. However with a clicker you can teach a long hold by only clicking at the exact moment that you take the dummy, thus teaching them that the dummy must always go into your hand.

You always treat when you click, or the click will come to lose its value. However you don't have to click everytime once the dog knows what it is meant to do. I use mine for teaching new things and then just sometimes as a refresher.

 

[numptynoelle]

Deleted because that bloomin' Spudlet has put everything much more succinctly than I did!

 

[Spudlet]

Deleted because that bloomin' Spudlet has put everything much more succinctly than I did!

Aw shucks

Also, you can train with the clicker at a distance - for ex, Henry is learning 'gone away' at the moment, which means that a retrieve is for someone else (me at the moment) and not him. I can throw the dummy, give the command, walk to get it and click as I pick it up, so he knows that is what is supposed to happen and that he is doing the right thing by allowing that to happen, then I walk back to him and treat.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Can you clicker train my housemate please Spuds x

 

[Spudlet]

Can you clicker train my housemate please Spuds x

You just need to find a high value treat Kitty

 

[RubysGold]

Thanks Spudlet
It makes more sense now

 

[stargirl88]

... and its also a communication system that can be used without the influence of mood and is something that the dog will understand in any circumstance
And what spudlet said... the click is precise, by the time you've said "oh good BOY!!!" and given a treat the dog could've done a million things after the initial behaviour you were meant to be rewarding the click says "THAT is what I wanted" even if the treat does get slightly delayed, they know its coming and why!