So you want to know how to use an auto clicker with your dogs. I used them both with my Dachshund and a Yorkie. In this article I will give you the basics on how to use them with your dogs and what to look for when training your dogs. Before you begin training make sure that you have chosen a safe product.
First of all, the clicker must be small enough that it will not create any noise when your dog tries to attack or dig at the treat. Never keep one near your dog's nose or ear. They are very loud and will scare your dog. I recommend that you get one that is no bigger than the length of the stick that comes with the clicker. That way your dog cannot attempt to touch it or try to bite it.
Second, position the clicker in such a way that it is easy for you to reach all parts of it. Put it between his/her ears and make sure that the clicking sound is close to his/her nose. Be sure that the clicker is pointing toward the ground at all times. If the clicker accidentally goes out of range, just start over. The goal is to train your dog to be able to catch the treat before you remove it.
How To Use An Auto Clicker For Your Dog
Third, place the treat several times in a line and wait for your dog to walk by. When he/she stops in front of the treat, immediately click and give the treat. Do this repeatedly. This will teach your dog that moving in front of something is a good thing and that standing still is not. It will also teach your dog that the sound of the click is loud and annoying and should be avoided.
Fourth, instruct your dog to sit and then click and give the treat. Once your dog has sat and given the treat, stay in the same place until he/she has stopped moving. The idea here is to get your dog used to the idea that sitting still gets him/her treats. Then you can proceed to move around and move the clicker around a bit.
Fifth, take the clicker out of the box and cover it with something that cannot be easily broken (dog treats are very small). Wait for your dog to completely look at the clicker and then click. Then re-click and cover the clicker again. Do not leave it in reach for long periods of time. After about 5 minutes or so, your dog will begin to associate the sound of the clicker with food.
Sixth, at each meal, take the treat out of the box, click and give the dog the treat. Then put the treat in the clicker. Repeat this process as often as necessary. After about a month, your dog will begin to associate the clicking with eating and the sound of the treat with the meal. You can always change the clicking sound by rubbing or shaking the clicker vigorously.
When teaching your dog how to use an auto clicker, keep these basic things in mind. Your goal is to be able to immediately feed your dog after the clicker sounds. Be sure to cover the clicker and give your dog the treat when it first starts to flash. Finally, praise your dog and let it know you are proud of its obedience.
To start using the clicker for food, place your treats on the bottom of the bowl. Click away while your dog yelps. If he doesn't, wait a few seconds and click again. Be very consistent in your clicking. Eventually, your dog will begin to associate the sound of the clicking with food.
Once your dog has learned to click at the sound of the clicking, you can move on to teaching him to sit at a certain command. Begin by sitting your dog on the command table. Then click away while your dog sits and praise him.
These are just a few tips to get you started using an auto clicker to teach your dog. Like anything else, consistency is the key to success. Be sure to spend a lot of time training your dog. Once you get used to it, you'll be able to accomplish many tasks without thinking. Teaching your dog new tricks will also be a breeze because you'll be using your clicker for food as well as other commands.
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