Clicker Training

Positive training for puppies and dogs of all ages
in the greater Fredericton area

Clicker training (operant conditioning) is a science-based method of positive training that:

• Helps dogs and their owners to bond and build a great relationship
• Teaches dog owners to train their dogs for the activities of everyday family life
• Focuses on each dog's potential for learning, regardless of breed or background
• Is a safe method of training for the dog and the owner
• ... and it's fun!

FAQ

When should I start my dog in obedience class?

Dogs learn quickly at a very young age. You should enroll in Grade One as soon as your dog has his vaccinations completed. That is usually at about 10 weeks of age.

But my dog isn't a puppy... is it too late for clicker training?

Realistically, your older dog may take a little longer than a young puppy to learn new behaviours, no matter what training method you use, since he'll have to "unlearn" his old habits as well as learn new behaviours. But, clicker training is an effective method for teaching obedience to dogs of any age.

What is clicker training, anyway?

In clicker training, basically, we use a sound (click) to mark the precise moment when the dog performs a behaviour we want to reinforce — and we follow the click with a great reward. The dog soon learns that he can make good things happen by doing things we like, and that there's no reward coming if he forgets his manners!

Can I teach my dog tricks using the clicker method?

Yes, tricks are an excellent way to develop your relationship with your dog, and clicker training is a quick and effective way to teach any kind of behaviour, tricks included!

What about behaviour problems, such as counter surfing and jumping on visitors? Can I fix these problems with clicker training?

Yes, indeed. We use clicker training methods to deal with behaviour problems rather than the intimidation and correction methods used in the "old days." Clicker training won't harm your dog or the owner/dog relationship.

Do I always have to use a clicker, or can I use my voice or hand signals?

No, you won't always have to use a clicker. We use the clicker to train new behaviours, because the timing can be much more precise than with a voice or signal. Also, a clicker always sounds the same, where a spoken word may sound completely different to the dog from one time to the next, depending on your mood and tone. Once the dog learns a new behaviour, we add a voice cue and hand signal for long-term use.