Clicker training - what is it? How does it work?

what is this? how does it work? does it work? how effective is it? explain all to me about this!

I saw a cheap clicker and treats in wilkinsons today - and i was tempted to try it out so wanted to knwo the pros and cons!

xx

This link explains the basics of clicker training

Clicker Training

thanks that's great! realy good advice on there!

xx

It seems to work wonders on my mad Irish Setter Molly! She is so much more focused on me as opposed to smells and everyone else! I dont know why it works so well with her, she is not food or treat orientated, maybe it is just extra good attention?!
My other Irish Setter is so food orientated I dont even need the clicker with her!

i think clicker training is a great tool. Try reading 'dont shoot the dog'. well worth a read

So you don't give verbal commands then click and reward, you just click and reward observed satisfactory behaviour that occur without the verbal command? Or am I getting this totally wrong?

Yes, you click and reward the correct offered behaviour. Once your dog is reliably presenting the behaviour then you put the verbal command on it

Thanks SB.

I have never tried clicker training but will do so on my next puppy

I have read lots though and the article by Alison is among the best I have read.
Tip I read before starting to train your dog train yourself because timing is everything ..you can do it with TV or radio, when the picture changes/characters change click to sharpen your response times .
Then click a few times to get the dog used to the sound.
Then start training

good plan. I am still a bit confused though - how does the dog know what to do? if you click for every positive thing he does - how does he learn the verbal commands? I'm probably just being thick - but if I do start doing it - I want to get it right!

xx