- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
For over 30 years, the clicker has been a major player in the world of positive reinforcement dog training. A clicker is a small, handheld device that, as its name suggests, makes a “click” sound when you push a button or metal tab. Because that sound is so distinct, it’s an unmistakable signal that lets your dog know the moment they got a behavior right. If they sit, you click when their butt hits the ground. If they come when called, you click when they reach you.
The magic of the clicker, however, isn’t necessarily the sound itself. It’s in the association that a dog makes between the click and the reward that follows. If each click is followed by a motivating treat, tug, or snuggle, then your dog becomes conditioned to form a positive association with the sound. Over time, the click becomes a secondary reinforcer, too.
We spoke with Hannah Gilihan, a Certified Dog Trainer at Zoom Room Dog Training, to better understand the basics of clicker training and how to find the right one for you and your pup. Using her helpful feedback, we compiled a list of the best dog clickers for a variety of scenarios and needs.
Best Overall: HoAoOo Pet Training Clicker
Gilihan is clear on the benefits of clicker training: “Clicker training is a phenomenal way to begin training your dog—old or new. It is one of the fastest ways to help them understand what you want them to do!”
In order to see the benefits quickly, consistency is key—which means you’ll want a clicker that’s easy to keep on your person at all times when you’re with your pup. This combination plastic and metal dog training clicker set is easy to use and carry with an attached, expandable wristlet. The clickers are designed with a metal clip on the wristlet that conveniently attaches to belt loops or purses—which is especially helpful when you’re out and about.
Having your clicker on hand means you can start playing the “name game” for 3 to 5 minutes throughout the day. “Simply call your dog’s name, wait for them to look at you or react to their name being called, and as soon as they do that, you can click and treat,” Gilihan advises. “They’ll soon start to realize that the click (or yes) means they did something right and get a treat—and then you can start using this on other behaviors like sit, down, wait, etc.”
Key Features:
- Over 22,000+ 5-star reviews on Amazon
- Convenient wrist strap that works well on belt loops and purses
- Made with rust-proof metal
Best Soft-Sounding Clicker: PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker
Gilihan explained that there are two types of dog training clickers: loud and more gentle, softer ones. “For dogs (or humans) that are more sensitive to loud sounds, a gentle clicker is a better alternative, as the sound is not nearly as loud and is a little more muffled—much easier on the ears for some,” said Gilihan.
This gentle plastic dog training clicker easily attaches to your finger with an expandable finger band that makes it easy to respond to good behavior with clicks quickly. Many users noted the sound is softer than other clickers they’ve used, but it still worked to train their pups. While the finger strap design is convenient and a welcome change to some from the many wrist clickers, some reviewers mentioned it’s a bit bulky, especially for smaller hands. Due to the softer sound, it also works well for indoor training sessions.
Key Features:
- Available in two colors: blue and lime green and purple and lime green
- Ergonomic shape for easy hold and comfort
- Easy to use with one hand due to finger strap
Best Loud Clicker: EcoCity 2-Pack Dog Training Clicker
These plastic clickers have an easy-to-push button and an easy-to-hold design. They’re some of the louder plastic clickers on the market, producing a clear, consistent sound that can be heard even in high-distraction environments, like busy outdoor settings. The clip on the bungee-cord strap allows you to wear it around your wrist or clip it to a key ring or treat bag, so it’s always handy.
One worry many pet parents have when they first start clicker training is what to do if they accidentally hit the clicker—especially with a sensitive or loud clicker like this model. “A good rule of thumb to have in case of any accidental clicks is that EVERY click—intentional or not—should be followed up with a treat,” says Gilihan. “This will strengthen that connection between the click, the treat, and doing something correctly.”
Key Features:
- Comes with a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee
- Made with recyclable ABS plastic + stainless steel ring piece
- Loud noise may scare more skittish animals
Best for Wrist Wear: Coolrunner Universal Dog Training Clicker
One of our favorite features of the Coolrunner clicker is that it’s super affordable and is sold in multi-packs with seven plastic clickers in each package. It’s so easy to click, and its yellow elastic bungee cord strap and bright color selections are helpful when you’re trying to dig one out from the bottom of a bag. These clickers also feature a raised button that makes it quick and easy to activate, which is one of the most essential skills to master for successful clicker training, along with consistency.
Not only will doggos need some initial training to get used to the clicker, but their parents will, too. “Because of the attentive and quick nature required of clicker training, there are absolutely going to be times when you jump the gun and click too early or mistake your dog’s movements for the behavior you asked,” said Gilihan. “The best method to prevent accidental clicking is just an ounce of patience—keep the clicker ready, but try not to click until your dog has fully performed the behavior you asked for.”
But overall, Gilihan assured us, “A few accidental clicks and treats here and there will not hurt your training progress with your dog.”
Key Features:
- Ergonomic design
- Metal key-ring on the elastic strap makes it easy to attach to bags or belt loops
- Made with plastic
Best for Puppies: Top Paw® Training Clicker
Top Paw’s Training Clicker is a strong choice for puppies and just getting started with clicker training for adult dogs. It’s lightweight and designed with an adjustable, attached lanyard that expands long enough to wear around your neck. Reviewers noted the button is easy to press and is a good option for arthritic hands.
While clicker training can be hard to start at first, Gilihan says regularity and repetition are the best ways to make it work. “My top tip for getting a dog adjusted to a clicker or ‘yes’ is just consistency. Your dog will pick up on the clicker very quickly if you are using it the correct way,” explains Gilihan. “Ask for the behavior, and as soon as they perform it, click and treat!”
Key Features:
- Plastic clicker with metal features and a fabric lanyard
- Intended for use with dogs
- Measures 2.25 inches
“Yes!” and Other Marker Words
The good news is you don’t need a clicker to get the positive impact of marking a behavior. Choosing a consistent, short marker word or using another sound like a whistle or squeaky also works.
“The best thing you can do is replace the ‘click’ with the word ‘yes,'” says Gilihan. “’Yes’ happens nearly as fast as the click does, which makes it an excellent replacement. Any phrase longer than “yes” is usually just a little too long for your dog’s attention span, so they may not know exactly why you are praising them—they have already moved on to something else.”
For deaf dogs, visual markers such as hand signals or a flashing light can replace a clicker.
How We Chose
The products featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with dog training experts, including Hannah Gilihan, a Certified Dog Trainer at Zoom Room Dog Training. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated pets, who are never stingy with their feedback.
Further Reading
- Until It Clicks: A Complete Guide to Clicker Training For Dogs
- The 10 Best Dog Training Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes
- Picking Out a Puppy Harness: The Basics Plus Our Top 10 Picks
- Review: Virtual Training App GoodPup Offers Huge Wins for Busy Pet Parents
