This page explains all about clicker training with Windrush Dogs for Life
Clicker Training
Clicker training is a method of animal training developed from reward based training. It was first fully defined by a scientist called B. F. Skinner in the 1940s, who was arguably the most celebrated psychologist since Freud! More recently, clicker training has become more popular through the work of foremost animal trainers like Karen Pryor.
In straightforward terms, Skinner's work meant that today we can find clickers in most pet shops, but it is imperative that they are used correctly. Used in the right way, they can be the single most powerful tool animals trainers can have. The concept is simply that a noise can 'mark' a desired behaviour from an animal. If the animal has been trained to know that the noise is followed by a reward, he is likely to try to repeat the behaviour in order to receive another reward.
I am passionate about clicker training and would encourage anyone to learn how to use it. Clicker training can be used for house training puppies, dealing with aggression in dogs, teaching tricks, learning lead walking and all the fundamental exercises plus much more. The complex dog dance routines you see at dog shows have usually been achieved through clicker training and the police and armed forces are using it more an more. The applications are endless but the process is simple when you know how.
Clicker trainers believe the method is quicker than traditional methods and that animals retain the training for much longer, even if not practised for some time. In my experience, as well as the scientific benefits, the enjoyment that people and their dogs gain from learning the technique is wonderful. Personally, I never cease to be amazed at what my own dogs or those of my customers can achieve.
You may be surprised to know that hundreds of species of animals have been clicker trained effectively, from chickens to dolphins, lizards to cats, fish to llamas. Another advantage is that it is a hands off approach, enabling training at a distance. This is particularly good for some small dogs who can feel overwhelmed by a seemingly huge human prescence and also dogs for whom physical contact is difficult. It can be equally effective when working with larger, more powerful dogs, and it really comes into it's own with disabled dogs and their owners (please see separate section on Dog AID).
The key element with clicker training is that the animal is encouraged to try things out, to experiment without fear of reprisal. In doing so the animal is able to develop its own personality and owners can benefit from a greater bond with their pet as well as enjoying the benefits of a well trained companion.
My thanks to the owners of the following dogs for allowing them to be on my website, and to the dogs of course!
Alfie is probably a Yorkshire Terrier, but we'll never know for sure as he was abandoned in a cardboard box. Since going to live with his new owners he has presented many challenges but is now a bright and happy dog and full of mischief! As the picture shows Alfie loves learning new tricks with clicker training. Alfie is also very intelligent, like many terriers and learns very quickly.
The combination of exercise and clicker training keeps his mind and body fit and healthy. Alfie's owners are now starting clicker training with their cat!
Dino, a harlequin Great Dane, broke his toe when he was a puppy and couldn't be walked for several weeks, but during that time he did a HUGE amount of growing! By the time he was able to go out on his lead again it was almost impossible to hold him. Dino was clicker trained for all his basic training including lead walking. To begin with he was walked using a headcollar and the clicker method. The right kind of headcollar or harness can be invaluable in walking a dog who pulls, but training is needed as well if it is to be fully successful, and if the owners, like Dino's, want to be able to walk their dog on an ordinary collar later on. Using the clicker method, Dino was able to be walked on an ordinary collar within a few short weeks. you may see him around Haverfordwest - he's hard to miss!
Clicker training is available to all Windrush customers, and I can also provide clicker training sessions for dogs who are already trained, whose owners are interested in learning the technique to further develop their dog's skills
If you are interested in clicker training your dog, or even your cat, rat or chicken (really!) please do get in contact. Please also see 'Courses and Prices'.
Kerri Bee MAPDT 00999
Telephone: 01437 767648 or 0796 2220625
E-Mail: Kerri@windrushdogsforlife.co.uk