What is clicker training?

Research has shown that animals are more likely to repeat actions that have a positive consequence compared to actions that have a negative consequence. Clicker training is a method of training which takes advantage of this natural tendency by providing positive reinforcement, usually a treat, following a desired behaviour. Although clicker training initially employs classical conditioning, it soon becomes operant conditioning when the animal begins to intentionally repeat an action to earn a reward.

Clicker training has been used to train many species from household pets (dogs, cats and parrots) to those housed in zoos and marine mammal parks. The difference between clicker training and other reward-based training methods is that the animal is told exactly which behaviour resulted in a reward. This is communicated by way of the distinctive and unique ‘click’ sound of the clicker. The ‘click’ sound is used to “mark” a desired behaviour and is followed by a reinforcer (or reward).

Once a desired behaviour has been reinforced several times and is well understood by the animal, a command or “cue” can be introduced. The cue is the name of a behaviour, such as “sit”. To teach an animal the name or “cue” for a behaviour the trainer says the cue before the animal repeats the behaviour. After several repetitions, the animal is rewarded for doing the behaviour, but only after the cue is given.

Clicker training can also be used to reduce bad behaviour through lack of reinforcement. If a behaviour is not rewarded, an animal is less likely to repeat it. Some behaviours are self rewarding, such as barking, and may require the trainer to teach the dog a cue for “silence”.

Animals that are clicker trained tend to be more confident because they have control over the consequences of their actions and they are enthusiastic because they expect training sessions to be pleasurable. Many remember behaviours years later because they were actively involved in the learning process rather than learning passively.

For an introduction to clicker training see this video on Youtube.