The clicker is a reward marker, you start with giving them treats, and when they take it click. So that they start to associate treat with click.
You can then start with a target, this can be your hand or an object, when they touch the target you click then treat. They do an action and they get a reaction.
Then when you are doing your training, say you are teaching the sit, after your initial command and they sit, you will click then treat. So eventually they will know that clicking means they are good and you can save the treats for the end of the sessions.
The clicker works good because it is a very definite sound.
For Pita I like a verbal command better than the click, I say good girl but ONLY when she deserves praise, it just works for me better. My instructor at Petsmart likes to say "yes" but it just doesn't come naturally for me.
I am not a trainer but I have used the clicker on my horse and he does good with it, he can even throw a frisbee!
Good Luck!! |