Owning a dog is something that should not be
taken lightly. It comes with tremendous responsibilities. And as
someone who loves your pet, it is your duty to teach your dog how
to behave. The essence of good behavior is of course obedience. No
one wants their dog to become a menace to your neighbors and a
pest in your home. There are various dog training programs that
you can apply to help you with your dog training. You can choose
from among them the one that would best suit your dog and your
patience. As this decision is essentially yours it is advisable to
research as many training methods as you possibly can before
coming to a final decision?.
No matter what method you use in training a dog you will need some
aids that can help you in turning your dog into an obedient pet.
One of the aids that you can use is a clicker. A clicker is a
toy-like device that makes a clicking sound. How does it work? The
clicker is used to signal the dog that he is performing well and
of course will get a treat for every correct response that he
makes.
The main objective of the clicker is to train the dog to follow
commands with a simple clicking sound. The clicker will mark the
exact moment of response which is very important in determining
the time of response and whether it deserves a treat. During the
whole duration of the training, you need to follow up the click
with a treat or a reward just to make the dog to get used to the
clicker until the time comes that the clicker would just be enough
to satisfy your canine friend.
It is advisable too use a bridge word alternating it with your
clicker. However you have to make sure that you say the bridge
word in a high pitched and very excited tone. This way it will
sort of resemble the high clicking sound of clicking device. The
clicker is used in training dogs especially in developing their
behaviors.
The clicker works best when you use it with dog treats by your
side. This will stimulate the interest of the dog and make him
eager to participate in his training which he will now consider a
joyful game. However make sure that the treats are cut into small
chewable sizes. Likewise choose dog treats that are soft so it
will be easier and faster for the dog to eat it.
You can use the treat to grab the attention of your dog and to
keep him focused on what you would want him to do. Afterwards
click your clicker or say your bridge word and if your dog was
able to follow your command then that is the only time that you
should give him some treat. You have to repeat the command over
and over again just to get the dog to get used to hearing the same
command. And remember don’t forget to give your dog a treat for
each command that he successfully accomplished.
Of course, not all dogs have the same reaction to clicker. There
are some dogs that are frightened by the clicking sound so you
have to put the clicker behind your back just to soften the
clicking sound. You can also put the clicker in your pocket just
to lessen the clicking sound. You can do this just to get your dog
accustomed to the clicking sound and to remove his fear. Once your
dog has overcome its fear of the clicker then your clicker dog
training will flow smoothly.
As in all types of dog training patience is the key. Dog training
is not an easy job. You need a lot of patience if you want to
train your dog correctly so that he will obey you without effort.
But remember, the hard work will be repaid by a loving animal
waiting impatiently at the door whenever you come home and knowing
that your slippers have not been chewed or your carpet messed. It
is a difficult job but someone has to do it. And as a dog owner
that is your job unless of course you want to hire a professional
dog trainer to do all the work for you.
