What is Clicker Training?  

 

Let’s first get some definitions out of the way so we are all on the same page. Very important in dog training to always make sure we are all using the same definitions to any terms, constructs or another word is labels.

Marker:

A signal that through conditioning indicates a correct behavior that will result in reward. Typically, to be effective, the signal should be within 1.5 seconds of the behavior.

Event marker:

A signal used to mark desired behavior at the instant it occurs. The clicker is an event marker.

How Clicker Training Works: The Power of the "Bridge"

1. Watch: Wait for the behavior you want, like a sit or a look.
2. Mark: Click the instant the behavior happens.
3. Reinforce: Give a high-value treat immediately after the click.
4. Repeat: Practice often so the dog associates the sound with success.

 

Classical Conditioning:

Also known as Respondent Conditioning. The process of associating a neutral stimulus with an involuntary response until the stimulus elicits the response.

It doesn’t matter if you cannot treat the dog instantly every single time you mark a behavior. It might take you a few seconds to reach the dog after using your event marker, you should still always give him a reinforcer. One of the benefits of an event marker is the ability to let the dog know what he has done right with precise timing even if you cannot reward within the normal second (timing).This bridging effect allows us to reinforce behavior, even when we cannot get to the dog immediately.