The ON-CUE Dog Clicker Ring is a powerful tool for reinforcing desired behaviours in your dog. By shaping and capturing specific actions, and pairing with cues and high value treats, this clicker helps create a positive training experience. With the dog handlers displaying precise observing abilities, this clicker is perfect for any dog trainer or owner looking to improve their dog’s behaviour.
Clicker training works well because it’s a clear, consistent, and positive method that taps into the dog’s natural learning processes. Over time, your dog will learn to offer behaviors on cue, and the bond between you and your pet will strengthen.
HOW TO USE A DOG CLICKER FOR TRAINING
Before starting any specific training, you’ll need to “charge” the clicker so your dog understands that the sound means something positive. Sit down with your dog and have some treats ready. Press the clicker, and as soon as the dog hears the “click,” immediately give them a treat. Repeat this process 10–20 times in a row. Your dog will start to associate the sound of the click with a reward. You can tell this is happening when your dog starts to perk up and look for a treat as soon as they hear the click.
Once your dog understands that the click means a reward, you can start teaching new behaviours. You can either capture a behaviour (wait until your dog naturally does something you want, like sitting) or lure them into it using a treat (like moving the treat over their head to encourage them to sit). The key to clicker training is timing. You need to click at the precise moment your dog performs the behaviour you want to reinforce. For example, if you’re teaching “sit,” click as soon as their bottom touches the ground. After you click, immediately follow with a treat. This reinforces the behaviour, letting your dog know exactly what they did right.
Practice the behaviour multiple times in a row, using the clicker and treats to reward success. Dogs learn quickly when they’re consistently rewarded for the right actions. Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and positive, so your dog stays engaged and doesn’t get bored or frustrated.
Once your dog is reliably performing a behaviour, you can add a verbal cue or hand signal. If you’re teaching “sit,” say the word “sit” just before the dog sits. Then, click and treat. the goal is for your dog to start associating the verbal cue with the action, eventually being able to perform the behaviour when just given the cue, without needing the treat or click for every repetition.
As your dog becomes more proficient with the behaviour, you can start to reduce the frequency of clicks and treats. Instead of clicking and treating every time, reward your dog every few repetitions. This keeps the behaviour strong and maintains motivation. As your dog becomes reliable, you can eventually phase out the clicker altogether, just using verbal praise and treats to reinforce behaviours.
TIPS TO USING A DOG CLICKER FOR TRAINING
Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Use the clicker every time your dog performs the desired behaviour so they can clearly connect the action with the reward.
Keep it Positive: Always end training on a positive note. If your dog struggles, take a break and try again later to avoid frustration.
Patience and Timing: Be patient with your dog, and make sure you’re clicking at the precise moment. If you’re too slow or too fast, the dog might not understand which behavior you’re rewarding.
