How to Clicker Train Your Dog Like a Pro

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Clicker training for dogs is an positive reinforcement training method that where you use a click to let your dog know they did the right thing. Trainers often prefer this method because it improves communication between a dog and their handler. Plus clickers are pretty cheap, whether you buy an actual clicker or use an app.

In this guide, we turn to several canine behavior experts to learn which dogs can benefit from clicker training (hint: pretty much any dog) and why this approach is so effective. We’ll also cover what you need to start and the steps involved with this technique.

Why Clicker Training Works So Well for Dogs

Using a clicker trumps other training methods on a few fronts.

1. More effective communication

“[Clicker trainer] works by creating an association between the sound of a ‘click’ with a reward, typically a treat,” says Susan Nilson, dog training and behavior expert and founder of The Cat and Dog House. Studies have shown that clicker training is an effective way to train dogs and reinforce behaviors. When used correctly, a clicker can help with obedience training and teaching specific behaviors, like “leave it” or coming when called.

Canine research backs this up, showing that your dog is more likely to repeat an action if followed by a positive outcome.

2. Allows you to start neutral

Unlike a voice command, the clicker is not imbued with tone or emotion. It always sounds the same, and it’s only used for training. Nilson says this improves communication so your dog can learn and progress faster.

3. Encourages observation

“I love clicker training!” says Jennifer Abrams, an Associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (ACAAB). “The clicker allows for precise timing for humans and clear communication for our dogs.” She adds that using a clicker encourages pet parents to watch and listen to their dogs more and to talk less.

4. Stronger reinforcement

With a clicker, it’s also easier to get the timing right. “This is because you click at the precise moment the dog does the desired behavior rather than delay those few seconds while you take a breath to voice your praise,” Nilson explains.

The same is true for treats: using training treats alone without a clicker results in a delay between the desired action and the reward. The clicker provides clarity and prevents confusion.

5. Works with any age and breed

“I don’t know any breeds that don’t do well with clicker training,” Abrams says. Dogs typically respond well to the click sound, and clicker training can be implemented at any age, whether you have an 8-week-old puppy or a senior dog. It can work for dogs with superior intellect and those needing more patience and instruction.

That said, keep in mind that because clicker training is reward-based, it might be less effective if your dog has a low food drive or isn’t motivated by rewards or treats.

What Tools Make Clicker Training More Effective?

You don’t need many tools to get started with clicker training. Here are some basics to have on hand.

1. Clickers. A training clicker is a small device with a metal strip inside that makes a distinct “click” sound. Clickers with a wristband are especially convenient when you need your hand for something else.
2. High-value treats. “They should be small, tasty, and something your pet loves,” says Dr. Kathryn Dench, a veterinarian at Gentle Dog Trainers. Consider varying treats so your pup doesn’t get bored. Bits of cooked chicken or dog-safe veggies are also great motivators.
3. Treat bags. These are all about quick and easy access. Instead of fumbling around for rewards when you need them, a treat pouch can be attached to your clothing or belt for smoother access.
4. Target stick (optional). A target stick is a wand with a rubber ball or target at the end. “This tool is used to guide your pet’s movements or to teach them to touch a specific spot,” Dr. Dench explains.
5. Training mat or blanket (optional). This offers a designated spot for training and helps make it clear to your pet that it’s time to focus. You can use any mat or blanket lying around at home.

iStock/Guadalupe Rojas

7 Tips for Successful Clicker Training

Abrams recommends keeping training sessions short and sweet. Here are a few more expert tips to keep things rolling:

1. Pre-define your goals: Have a clear idea of the behavior you’d like to teach. This minimizes confusion and helps you stay on track.
2. Don’t use the clicker like a remote control: The clicker does not cue your dog to do something. Remember that the clicker marks the moment your dog has done something worth rewarding. Not the other way around.
3. Only click once: It’s easy to get carried away when your dog performs well, but increasing the number of clicks only creates confusion.
4. Be consistent: Ensure all family members use the same cues and reward systems.
5. Keep treats small: Dogs can eat smaller treats more quickly, so they stay focused on the task at hand. Small treats also prevent weight gain.
6. Practice timing with a friend: Accuracy is key, and clicking too late can halt progress. If you’re struggling, get a friend to observe your clicker timing.
7. Be patient: Give your pet time to learn, as rushing the process can lead to confusion.

How To Clicker Train A Dog: A Step-By-Step Guide

To illustrate the process of clicker training, we consulted Lynda Taylor, MSc, a canine behaviorist and professional trainer with Depend on Dogs. She breaks down the method into six steps.

1. Establish the meaning of the clicker by linking the reward to the click

This is called “loading the clicker” or “charging” the clicker. Taylor explains that this first step helps your dog understand that when they hear the click sound, something good is heading their way.

To load the clicker:

• Find a quiet, distraction-free place.
• Press the clicker and immediately give your dog a treat.
• Continue to click and treat quickly, ideally 10-20 times per session.

2. Press the clicker exactly when your dog does what you want

This step is known as “marking the behavior.” Once your clicker is loaded, you can use it when your dog performs the desired behavior to tell them that was right.

“The timing of the click is crucial; it should be done at the exact moment your dog displays the behavior you’re trying to reinforce,” says Taylor.

There are a few ways to elicit a desired behavior:

• Capturing: This technique involves watching your dog and rewarding them when they naturally perform a specific action. You can capture behaviors like sitting, lying down, or offering a paw. This approach requires patience and attention.
• Lure-and-reward training: With this method, handlers use a reward to coax or guide dogs to perform a desired behavior, like sitting or staying. Eventually, your dog can perform the behavior without needing a lure.
• Shaping behaviors: This approach breaks down a desired behavior into incremental baby steps, rewarding each small movement in the right direction. “It’s a valuable training method for teaching complex or unique behaviors, as it allows the dog to play an active role in their learning and problem-solving,” says Taylor.

3. Reward your dog with a treat immediately

Immediately after marking the behavior with the clicker, reward your dog with a high-value treat. If you are worried about rewarding your dog for the incorrect behavior, throw the treat in the opposite direction. This will cause your dog to chase and allow your dog to “reset” so you can try again.

4. Repeat the process until the behavior is learned

Taylor recommends practicing and rewarding correct behavior until it sticks. “Consistency is essential,” she says. “Your dog will start associating the click with the reward and the specific behavior, making them more likely to repeat it in the future.”

5. Add verbal cues

When your dog consistently performs the target behavior, Taylor says a verbal cue can be given before using the clicker. Eventually, your dog will associate this verbal cue with the desired action.

6. Fade out the clicker

Once your dog has learned a behavior (congrats!) and reliably responds to your verbal cues, you can phase out the clicker.

However, Nilson says there are benefits to continuing with short clicker training sessions throughout your dog’s life. For one thing, it prevents your pup’s skills from getting rusty.

Clicker training also creates a positive learning environment because there are no wrong answers—at worst, your dog doesn’t get a click. “This encourages [them] to try harder, empowers [them] to make [their] own choices, and helps build [their] confidence,” Nilson explains.

What If Your Dog Doesn’t Take to Clicker Training?

If your dog has trouble with a particular behavior, they may not understand what you want them to do. “If you increase criteria too quickly or add too many distractions at once, you may be moving the skill along too fast for your dog to really learn each piece,” says Abrams.

In these cases, you can break down a behavior into manageable chunks so that they’re more clearly defined. If, for example, your dog doesn’t understand a request to lay down, it may become clearer by dropping the criteria and working your way up to the larger goal.

• Goal 1: Click and reward your dog for following your hand enough to bend toward the ground.
• Goal 2: Click and reward your dog for both bending toward the ground and stretching out one paw.
• Goal 3: Click and reward your dog for completing a full down.

Is Clicker Training for Everyone?

Review our pros and cons list below to see if clicker training is right for you:

Ultimately, clicker training is a useful tool for many dogs. But if you’re struggling with the time and consistent effort required, working with a professional dog trainer may be worth considering.