Clicker training
Dog clickers can be a very very useful training tool. There is still some controversy about the method, although this is predominantly from those who do not yet understand how responsive the dogs actually are to the clicking. There is no harm to the dog and no real expense, so what have you got to lose. Buy one and see for yourself how your dog reacts to it.
Technique :
Most dogs catch on quite quickly to clicker training. In many cases it takes just a few days to get dogs to offer behaviour that produces a "click" signalling a job well done and a little treat to follow. In effect, the dogs almost have a game to play. All you need do is decide where and when you do a click and what you want the dog to do for the treat.
Always remember that the clicker marks an event that will be rewarded. It is simple to start, simply click and then offer your dog a treat. Repeat this several times to ensure your dog has the general idea (he/she will probably think you have gone mad to start with!) and they associate the sound with a treat being served. General dogs quickly learn that they can control this game themselves and then the fun starts.
Having given your dog half a pack of biscuits by now, why not click for a behaviour that is known to the dog or that you can eaily lure the dog into doing. This will then reinforce the message to your dog. Now that you have given your dog sufficient opportunity to learn the rules you will, hopefully, soon find that your dog will offer you a multitude of behaviours hoping to produce a click and therefore a treat.
Basically this is a fun activity to do with your dog in your spare time, even if you don't do any more formal training with the clicker.
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