Clicker Training for Dogs

Written by Anne | April 10, 2025

There are many ways to train a dog, each with its own specific purpose. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at clicker training — a method based on operant conditioning that’s rapidly growing in popularity.

The Training Method

A clicker is a small device with a metal plate inside that makes a distinct clicking sound when pressed. Clicker training is a method based on operant conditioning, in which the animal learns to associate its own behaviour with a specific outcome. In practice, this means that when the dog displays desired behaviour, it is rewarded by the owner. As a result, the dog is more likely to repeat that behaviour because it leads to something positive. Undesired behaviour is simply ignored and not punished, making this a very animal-friendly training approach.

To give an example of how this form of learning works: if a dog knocks over a bin (its own behaviour) and finds food inside (a positive consequence), it will likely repeat that action. However, if it does this several times without finding food (no reward), the behaviour will eventually fade out.

Teaching with the Clicker

Clicker training is primarily used for teaching new behaviours. Once the dog fully understands and performs the exercise correctly, the clicker is gradually phased out. This method is not only effective for introducing new commands but can also help correct unwanted behaviours such as pulling on the lead or reacting aggressively to other dogs. Originally, clicker training was mainly used with dolphins and wild animals. These days, it’s a popular method for training dogs — and some pet owners even use it to train cats, rabbits, birds, and other animals.

Advantages of Using a Clicker

The clicker produces a consistent sound, which is often much clearer to a dog than a spoken word or other signal. One of the biggest benefits of using a clicker is the precise timing it allows. With a click, you can mark the exact moment your dog performs the desired behaviour, which helps reinforce that action. When using treats alone, there’s often a delay, which can accidentally reward the wrong behaviour.

The Click Sound

Some dogs may initially be wary of the click sound or even scared of it. This can usually be resolved quickly by muffling the sound — for example, by holding the clicker behind your back — or using a quieter clicker. It’s sometimes said that clickers aren’t suitable for group training sessions because dogs may respond to other owners’ clickers. However, clickers with varying tones can be used, and in practice, this rarely becomes an issue if training is done with focus and attention.

Clicker Training in Practice

To begin, the dog must first learn that a click means a reward is coming. You teach this by clicking and immediately giving your dog a treat. Once your dog understands this, you can move on to teaching specific exercises. At first, you reward even the smallest attempt at the desired behaviour. These attempts can be encouraged with hand signals or, in some cases, simply by waiting for the dog to offer a behaviour on its own.

For example, if you’re teaching your dog to stand up from a sitting position, you would initially click and reward even the slightest lift of the hindquarters. After a few repetitions, you gradually delay the click to encourage more of the desired behaviour before rewarding. This process continues until the dog performs the full action reliably. Only then is a verbal command introduced. Once the exercise is performed correctly on command, the use of the clicker is reduced. Over time, your dog will start to think independently and try to work out what’s being asked. Some experienced owners even use a quick game as a reward instead of treats.