The clicker is a simple device that makes a consistent clicking sound when pressed. In animal training, the clicking sound is associated with a reward. Then when the click is sounded the animal knows that reinforcement is coming in the next few seconds. This serves to mark the correct behavior so that the animal knows exactly what is being rewarded.

A clicker is much more precise than using a word for the same purpose. Some dog trainers do use “marker words,� like “yes� in the same way that others use the clicker. However, because inflections can change, marker words may not be quite as effective.

Before using a clicker or a marker word it must be “loaded.� That means it must be associated with the reward. For food motivated dogs, the clicker or word can easily be loaded with food. Cut up very small, soft treats and have them where you can easily reach them. Click (or use your marker word) and immediately give a treat. Repeat and watch for some indication from your dog that he is recognizing that the click equals a treat. Signs include cocked ears, an eager look, salivation, looking for the treats to appear after the click, and so on. You might need to click and wait a second to see if any of these expectant signs appear.

If you spent several sessions loading your clicker with 20 or so small treats and you still don’t see any indication that your dog understands the concept, go ahead and use the clicker in training any way. Use it with a behavior your dog already understands, like “sit.� Give your sit cue, and when the dog sits, click and treat. Your dog should catch on.

Then you can use the clicker or a marker word to train new behaviors as mentioned in previous articles. In addition, you can use these concepts to train new behaviors by “shaping,� which we will discuss at a later date.