Dog Trainer
The majority of dog parents fail to recognize or understand the power of canine Clicker Training. Either:
1. They think the methods are too hard to learn or implement.
2. They want a “quick” fix for their dog’s behavior problem. You know, like something Cesar Millan does on TV or some kind of zapper or gizmo that will teach their dog to “obey.”
Unfortunately, so much time and energy is spent on punishing the dog for bad behavior that the dog never learns what he’s supposed to do. I know many so-called “dog trainers” and “dog experts” who fail to understand this basic concept. Even many veterinarians don’t understand how dogs learn which is really sad because many dog parents seek training and behavior advice from their local vet.
What Makes Canine Clicker Training Different Than Traditional Dog Training Methods?
When most people attempt to train their dog they do it completely backwards. Let’s say they want to teach their dog to sit. So they say, “SIT!” and try to get their dog to sit. Problem is, at this point, the poor dog has no idea what SIT means.
If someone walked up to you and started shouting, “Ora! Ora!” Would you know what to do? (Ora is Latin for “speak.”)
In case you didn’t know–DOGS DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH! The #1 dog training mistake of all-time is to give a “command” before the dog learns the behavior. This will only confuse your dog, make you extremely frustrated, and extend the time it takes your dog to learn a new behavior.
I love when people stand in front of their dog and say, “Sit-sit-sit-sit” or “down-down-down-down.” Eventually when the dog doesn’t respond they say, “He just doesn’t listen.” or “He’s being stubborn.” or “He’s a dumb dog.” No–unfortunately the person learned How to Train Dogs the Wrong Way and the dog’s behavior is simply a direct reflection of their misguided attempts at “training.”
Training your dog becomes so much easier and rewarding when you both learn to communicate on the same level. And that’s what canine clicker training is all about.
Unlike traditional training methods, in clicker training we wait until we know the dog understands what he’s supposed to do. Only then do we associate the learned behavior with a verbal cue or hand signal. In the world of clicker training, “commands” don’t even exist.
Canine clicker training teaches your dog to think for himself and is an incredible tool for improving the relationship between you and your dog. Many perplexed and frustrated dog owners have found clicker training to be the only fail-safe solution to their dog behavior problems.
Do You Think Canine Clicker Training is Too Complicated?
Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, you’ve probably taught your dog a few things using the scientific principles of operant conditioning (the science behind clicker training) without even realizing it.
How long did it take your dog to learn what the doorbell means? What about when you grab the leash? Or your car keys? What happens when you shake the box of dog cookies? Or bring out the nail clippers?
This type of learning might seem “magical” because it happens right under your nose but it’s also very powerful. Imagine what you can teach your dog when you use that magical dog intelligence to YOUR advantage.
You certainly don’t have to be a Professional Dog Trainer to learn how to clicker train your dog. In fact, spending hundreds of dollars to hire someone else to train your dog doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Especially since you can easily learn how to do the same thing yourself for a lot less money. For more information on clicker training dogs visit http://www.clickertrainingsecrets.com and discover a whole new world of dog training that even Cesar Millan won’t tell you about!
Ian Dunbar: Dog-friendly dog training