The
click is a marker signal. Clicker training is a science-based system
for teaching behavior with positive reinforcement. You use a marker
signal (the sound of a toy clicker) to tell the animal (or person)
when it's doing the action that will pay off. The system was first
widely used by dolphin trainers who needed a way to teach behavior
without using physical force. No corrections or punishment required
In traditional training, you tell an animal or person what to do,
make that behavior happen (using force if necessary), reward good
results, and punish mistakes. In clicker training you watch for the
behavior you like, mark the instant it happens with a click, and pay
off with a treat. The treat may be food, a pat, praise, or anything
else the learner enjoys. If the learner makes a mistake all you do
is wait and let them try again.
Replacing the clicker with praise Clicker trainers
focus on building behavior, not stopping behavior. Instead of yelling
at the dog for jumping up, you click it for sitting. Instead of kicking
the horse to make it go, you click it for walking. Then, click by
click, you "shape" longer sits, or more walking, until you
have the final results you want. Once the behavior is learned, you
keep it going with praise and approval and save the clicker and treats
for the next new thing you want to train. It's fun and exciting for
pets and people Dogs and other animals quickly learn that the marker
signal means, "Something good is coming." Then they realize
they can make you click by repeating their behavior.
They become enthusiastic partners in their own training.
In people, clicking reduces the need for correction and is especially
useful for training physical skills. Clicker training is exciting
for animals and fun for us. And it's easy to do. You might get results
on the very first try.