[Britster]

The clicker has been a GOD SEND for me. Jackson was already smart without it and learned tricks and commands pretty fast but once we tried the clicker, he was getting tricks within 5-10 repetitions, rather than 15-20.

I made the mistake of scaring him with it at first... I "charged" the clicker (clicking and treating for doing nothing, just so they understand click=treat) so once he got the hang of it, we started with take a bow. I had my hand under his belly to help him learn and I clicked (while it was under his belly) and he flipped out and ran away! lol. So... then we just had to take it slow. I placed a treat on top of the clicker itself so he could go and get it, and learn the clicker was not bad.

I don't know when it 'clicked' that the clicker was not bad, but once it did, it's been amazing for us. Jackson learned over 10 tricks in probably 2 months (things like getting me a tissue when I sneeze, saying his prayers, closing cabinet doors, etc). The actual sound of the click just makes him understand sooo much better what I want from him and he loves it!

Also, I think a common misconception with the clicker is that you have to have it on you at all times. That's not the case. Once Jackson learns the trick, we no longer use the clicker. It's just the initial stages of learning a NEW trick. Once he knows it, it's just verbal praise and reward.