CLICKER training is a basic principle that works. Research shows that following a behaviour with a pleasant consequence increases that behaviour. Therefore behaviour is determined by its consequences.
The dog is firstly conditioned to the sound of the clicker and then through operant conditioning a behaviour is learnt and then constantly reinforced.
The reinforcer (the click) has to occur in the very instant the behaviour is taking place otherwise the dog will not know which of its recent actions is being approved of and reinforced.
No physical force is used and your dog will start to volunteer behaviour as he quickly catches on to the behaviour that presents a reward. When you click, you are letting the dog know that that very behaviour is the desired behaviour and that a reward is coming. If the dog does not perform the expected behaviour then he does not get the reward - simple, yet it works.
Random reinforcement once a behaviour is established will strengthen that behaviour. The dog can then be weaned off the clicker for that particular behaviour as he will soon take for granted that the specific action is one that always pleases his owner or trainer.
Your dog will love clicker training as there is no harsh punishment, no pulling, no pushing and no shouting. The only negative experience he will have is when he does not get a treat.
This carrot or no-carrot method really works and has been used to train dolphins, horses, cats and many other animals. Even goldfish have been trained using this method. Your dog will love it.
