If you are interested in using positive reinforcement to train your dog, one option is clicker training. This simplistic and proven way of training uses a device which, when clicked, puts out a chirping sound. The clicking device (commonly strips of metal inside a plastic box) Other than scolding the dog for not following a command each time or giving it a treat it for doing something right each time, this should be considered as a better reinforcement.

Clicker Training lets dogs start with treats. The first time the dog hears the click owners should give them a treat. A positive behavior can be noticed on triggering the click. Dogs will quickly learn to associate the clicking sound with a reward and will in turn obey their owner’s command when the clicker is used. The clicking device is going to assure the dog they have done something which the owner is satisfied with. It is either obeying a command they were not doing earlier or learning a new command. Clickers used to train dogs must be accompanied by treats often enough to maintain the interest of the animal or the clicker will decline in its effectiveness.

When teaching a dog a difficult trick using a clicker, or when the dog is showing difficulty in mastering a trick, the trainer should use a treat as a reward. After the dog has successfully mastered the trick, he should receive a treat occasionally, but not every time he hears the click. The dogs can learn quickly the commands and tricks their owner is trying to teach with use of the clicker training and treat every so often the dogs will become conditioned to the two going simultaneously. During the initial stages of using the clicker, giving the dog a reward often will be a mechanism to get them to understand the positive meaning of the clicker. As time goes on, giving them snacks only occasionally, and as one of the strongest prizes for really learning something difficult, will sustain the value of the clicker.

Do not forget a few things while employing clicker training methods. Take it easy at first, begin in a tranquil room with small snacks and go very slowly. Early on, you may also want to consider using the clicker device and repeating the clicking sound a few times in order for the dog to learn and become accustomed to the sound. You may begin training your dog in different aspects like instructions, tricks, etc. after that. At the beginning owners should do it slowly and calmly. The use of treats will ensure the responses you are going for, but over time, there should not be a need to give the dog a treat for each command they learn.

Clicker training takes a lot of patience and you have to work at it. At the end of it all, the dog owners will be thrilled to have found least cumbersome way of training their dog who will then develop into their good friend for life.