Clicker Training For Dogs
Posted on September 12th, 2010 Written by +Brian Benson Email Author
clicker training for dogs is a training method based on the principles of operant conditioning. It got its name from the miniature mechanical gadget called “clicker”. The clicker is primarily used for training the dog using this method.
Contents |
What is clicker dog training?
As mentioned above, clicker training for dogs applies the principles of operant conditioning in its methodology. The training method primarily utilizes positive reinforcement; in other words, this training method mainly uses rewards as a means to reinforce behavior among the dogs being trained. Generally, the clicker device is utilized during the phase wherein the dog is supposed to acquire a new behavior or set of behaviors. The use of the clicker allows the dog to quickly identify or recognize that a certain behavior is being sought from him. It also helps the dog identify and distinguish which particular behavior is wanted from him.
Clicker training for dogs and other animals was pioneered by Keller Breland and Marian Bailey. They were the direct students of the renowned behavioral psychologist, B.F. Skinner. Skinner was actually the psychologist who founded and developed the principles and methodologies of operant conditioning. Breland and Bailey first worked and developed the clicker training method with carrier pigeons. According to the work and research conducted by the two psychologists, the training of animals was being hindered needlessly in the traditional training methodologies. This is because, according to them, the methods of reward and praise in the traditional approaches did not inform or clearly pass on to the animal with sufficient precision and promptness to create the cognitive connections needed for speedy and quick learning. Later on, other animal trainers and animal psychologists expanded on their training method and successfully applied it to other animals including bears, whales, dolphins, lions, cats, dogs. As a matter of fact, the clicker training method was also utilized and deemed effective for the training and learning of humans.
Basically, the clicker device used in clicker dog training serves as a conditioned reinforcer or ‘bridge’. Sometimes this bridge is also technically called as secondary reinforcer. Actually, a stimulus from any of the sensory modules, such as smells or lighting, can be a conditioned reinforce in training procedures. However, the clicker device is a good reinforce because it can easily be controlled and utilized by the trainer. During the training sessions, once a particular behavior is reliable enough with the utilization of the clicker device, a cue, such as a verbal command like “down” or “sit”, is added to the sound of the clicker device. In time, the response of the dog, or any animal, being trained will get transferred to the cue, and thus the clicker device will no longer be needed.
The advantages of clicker dog training
Most often than not, the most challenging thing for dog trainers and animal trainers in general is how to effectively communicate to the dog or animal when it has actually managed to manifest or show a certain desired behavior or the behavior being specifically being sought. For instance, think of a dog trainer teaching his dog to spin or turn in a circle-like manner. As soon as the dog manages to complete a spin or turn, the dog trainer must let his charge know right away that he has done the right or correct thing. You might think that saying “good dog!” would suffice in this situation; however, dog trainers find it insufficient because most of the time, the dog would have moved on to another activity or behavior by the time they get the words out. Additionally, relying on verbal reinforcers can confuse the dog in most cases. By the time the mutt realizes that it is being given praise, it might already be doing something else or seeking for some other thing to do.
However, Breland and Bailey actually observed and realized that the mice responded to sound positively when they were about to be given food. The mice tended to continue and intensify what they were doing when they heard the sound. This gave rise for Breland and Bailey to try using ‘snappy’ sounds in training animals. During their time, toy crickets were popular abundant, so they chose to use those in their trials and experiments. Later on of course, the clicker device was developed for the training of dogs and other animals.
The clicker dog training method is deemed very effective in many cases, as it allow for very accurate and precise timings regarding the reinforcement of behavior. This method allows the dog trainer to communicate clearly to his charge that he is doing the right thing at that particular moment. Dog trainers have also found that using this particular kind of dog training minimize the need for punishment or force in reinforcing certain behaviors. Additionally, some studies and researches have also confirmed that the clicker training method can lessen the total time for training and learning by up to thirty percent.
Moreover, most dog trainers also say that using a clicker device during training sessions is much more effective and reliable than verbal commands or verbal reinforcers. Why so? This is because verbal commands may vary considerably in tone, pronunciation, loudness, and emphasis. Unless the verbal command is recorded to ensure precision and reliability, no dog trainer can guarantee that his or her voice will not change or alter upon issuing a verbal command. This factor is particularly very important in the training of animals, especially dogs, because they have very keen auditory systems. Actually, they can detect the slightest variations in the sounds that they hear. During training, this is important because a minor variation in sound might confuse the dog or animal being trained. On the other hand, a clicker device eliminates such nuances over sound variations. That sharp and distinct sound produced by the clocker device is consistent and reliable enough, thus communicating effectively to the dog or any animal that his or her behavior is correct.
Additionally, dog trainers also attest that behaviors ingrained and trained by the clicker dog training method are retained and remembered by dogs for a very long period of time. Even if there were no additional training or practice activities conducted, the trained dogs tend to remember the behavior for a long time period after learning has actually taken place. Some animal psychologists and experts say that this is most likely due to the fact that the dog fully participates and engages itself fully to the learning process. According to various reports and studies, dogs and animals that have undergone clicker training have developed into very intelligent animals. They have become good problem solvers, and exhibited high levels of confidence as they perform assigned tasks with good enthusiasm.
As a matter of fact this long retention in learning is not exclusive to clicker dog training, but a common trait and quality among all training methods that focus and utilize positive modes of reinforcement.
Some common misconceptions about clicker dog training
There are actually several misconceptions surrounding the clicker training method. Most of them are actually brought about by inexperienced or unskilled animal trainers, or those who are new to the clicker training method. Nevertheless, experienced and expert animal trainers attest that these misconceptions can be avoided and prevented in most cases.
Common Misconception Number 1 – A dog being trained will never do the behavior if the clicker is absent.
Contrary to popular belief, the clicker device is only needed only during the training or learning process. Once the dog has learned the behavior, he or she will consistently perform the behavior even without the clicker. The clicker device is only utilized to aid the dog in identifying which behavior is correct and not; it is not the actual cue for the behavior. Dog trainers typically utilize cues for commands such as verbal commands or hand signals.
Common Misconception Number 2 – The dogs being trained will be distracted by other sounds or the other clicker devices in a public setting or class setting.
This is quite a misconception again. This situation is actually true in the beginning, but the dogs being trained in class settings and public settings will surely and quickly realize that the “clicks” that matter are the ones from their trainers or handlers. In training sessions and learning situations, dogs, or other animals for that matter, are quick to distinguish between which of the clicks would pay off for them. Those that do not pay off will quickly be disregarded or ignored by the dog concerned.
Common Misconception Number 3 – Dogs undergoing clicker dog training usually get fat because they tend to get too much treats.
This scenario can become reality if a particular dog trainer depends too much on food as reinforcers for behavior. However, a good dog trainer will never set aside the healthy diet of his charge regardless of his desire to train the dog and bring out its full potential. One common technique that expert dog trainers do in this situation is to minimize the treat. For instance, Labradors and other similarly sized dogs get treats usually in pea sized amounts only. As the size of the dog gets smaller, so does the size of the treat being used. Moreover, food is not the sole reinforcer that can be effectively used in dog training. New dog trainers have to remember that the definition of a reinforcer is anything that the dog is willing to strive and work for in the present scenario. According to expert dog trainers, the most common reinforcers aside from food include attention, toys, and the chance to do something the mutt or dog likes. For instance, for dogs who like to go on walks and trips, putting him on a leash can reinforce in him some sitting behavior. For dogs who like attention, getting greeted and patted by someone else can be good reinforcers for them.
Common Misconception Number 4 – Clicker dog training cannot be done in noisy settings or surroundings.
Yes, the influence of the surroundings and environmental factors can pose a challenge to dog training sometimes. However, clicker training can still be done in environments with many possible distractions. This actually heightens and takes the learning process in higher level. Nevertheless, dogs being trained for the first time should not be exposed or be forced to undergo a high level of difficulty right away. Training dogs should always be done gradually and with patience and perseverance.
Common Misconception Number 5 – A dog being trained will only obey and pay attention if the owner or handler is carrying food or treats.
This misconception is actually brought about by mistakes or errors of the dog trainer concerned. If a dog is trained with food and treats as the only reinforcers, then this scenario or problem will surely arise. According to expert dog trainers, trainers should keep the food hidden while clicker dog training until the behavior is successfully shown or completed. Dog trainers should not utilize food and treats as “lure rewards” because this will send the wrong message to the dog being trained. As much as possible, dog trainers should utilize different and various types of reinforcers aside from food and treats while doing clicker training.
Common Misconception Number 6 – Clicker devices are not suitable in all training situations because the dog sometimes fails to hear it.
This is actually true; however, what dog trainers have to keep in mind is that clicker dog training is a training methodology, and not dependent on the actual clicker device itself. For instance, dog being trained to retrieve something, especially in hunting sessions, would not be able to hear the clicking sound because the dog is reasonably far from the trainer. In this case, the dog trainer can use something louder with the same purpose, such as a whistle. The “clicker” in the name of the method is only a name; that is all. Even deaf dog can be trained in this manner, as a matter of fact. In this case, dog trainers often use other devices, such as flash lights or hand signals.
