| There are many people who don't "believe" in | | | | we've also seen what violent husbands can |
| canine clicker training. Clicker training is just a basic | | | | do--both physically and mentally. Do their wives |
| term used to describe a training system based on | | | | "obey"? Of course they do. So just because |
| positive reinforcement. Clicker training relies on | | | | something works, doesn't mean it's good. |
| reinforcers, which can be anything the dog likes. | | | | Some owners brag and say, "Oh see how much |
| The reinforcer is presented with correct timing in | | | | my dog wants to please me. He doesn't need to |
| such a way that specific information can be | | | | work for treats. My happiness is all the reward he |
| communicated between the trainer and the dog. | | | | needs." |
| With clicker training, you can literally train your dog | | | | Sure, dogs like having a happy owner. But is the |
| without touching or speaking to him. Clicker | | | | dog really working to please the owner-or simply |
| training can result in behaviors that are just as | | | | to avoid the punishment? |
| reliable if not more consistent than the results | | | | Do you go to work everyday because you like |
| gained from traditional training methods. | | | | making your boss happy? What if one day you |
| It's not voodoo. It's not magic. It's based on pure | | | | received an email that stated you'd no longer be |
| science. | | | | receiving a paycheck? Would you still go? |
| If you train dogs for any length of time it's | | | | Still, it doesn't surprise me that many people, |
| obvious to see that some dogs tolerate the | | | | including traditional dog trainers, dismiss the |
| traditional "yank and thank" training method better | | | | effectiveness of canine clicker training. In fact, 9 |
| than others. At best, some dogs seem a bit | | | | out of 10 "professional" clicker trainers are using |
| dazed and confused. At worst, some dogs | | | | the techniques incorrectly. Despite their good |
| become fearful, defensive, and violent. | | | | intentions, these clicker trainers certainly aren't |
| No one dismisses the effectiveness of traditional | | | | doing the dog (or the science) any favors. |
| dog training methods. Of course it works. But, | | | | |