Positive reinforcement has long been accepted as the most
effective method to train children. Instead of disciplining
for bad behavior, reward for good behavior. This is also
true with most trainable animals, including dogs.

One popular method of using positive reinforcement to train
a dog is to use a clicker. In case you were wondering, a
click is not your TV remote control. A clicker is exactly
what it sounds like: a device that makes a clicking sound.

Establishing clicker training is simple. First, bring your
dog into a fairly closed in area so he can’t wander off too
far. Then click the clicker and give your dog a small
treat. After giving your dog the treat, praise him and pet
him extensively.

Then repeat the process. Click the clicker, give a treat,
and praise your dog.

After doing this for about 15 minutes, walk to another
area of the room. If your dog does not follow you, click
the clicker and wait. When your dog makes even a small
movement toward you, click the clicker, give a treat, and
praise your dog.

When your dog moves away from you, do not click the clicker.
Stay quite and wait. As soon as your dog makes another
move toward you, click the clicker, give a treat and praise
your dog. If he comes all the way to you, make a real fuss
over him and give him two treats. Show that you are really
happy with him.

Once your dog has connecting coming to you with getting a
treat (which may take a few practice sessions), start using
the phrase “Rex, come here!”, with your dog’s name
substituted for “Rex”, of course. Then click the clicker
and give a treat if he comes to you.

Are you starting to see the pattern here? Begin first by
clicking the clicker and rewarding any step made toward
the goal–in this case coming to you. Once that goal is
associated with a treat, start associating the goal with
the words (such as “Rex, come here!”). In time the clicker
will not be necessary, as the dog will associate the words
with the desired action.

This method can be repeated with virtually any other
commands that you want to teach your dog.

Teach yourself to train your dog using Jonathan Leger’s free proven dog training lessons.