The Dog Blog

DogTraining
Using A Clicker Vs. Adopting The Flawed "Clicker Training Methodology!"
By Adam G. Katz

There are two points you must recognize:

1.) You CAN train a dog using a traditional approach AND use the clicker. It depends on your style, but yes... I've had very good results using the clicker as an event marker, and for getting the dog to understand a new behavior... especially a more complex behavior. However, THIS IS ONLY USED DURING THE FIRST PHASE OF TRAINING ... the "learning phase." Once you move into the reinforcement and proofing phase, the clicker loses it's benefits.

2.) The idea that "some methods work better for some dogs," is a falsehood. It stems from people who are not completely competent in working with dogs.

Here's where the misperception comes in:

TRUTH: Some dogs are very soft. These dogs you will emphasize more praise and build them up. Use of corrections are minimal, and depending upon the dog's temperament, may just be just a verbal correction to be motivational.

MYTH: These dogs never need to be told when they do something wrong, therefore a "different method" (i.e. clicker training) should be used. This is complete bunk.

Recognize that using a clicker as an event marker is not the "clicker training approach."

The clicker training approach requires that you keep your dog confined at all times that you are not following him around this house with a clicker to reward the right behavior. This is why it works so well with dolphins: Because they're confined in a small pool when they're not being trained.

In any event... I'm off on a tangent.

Using the clicker as ONE tool in your arsenal is fine. But using it to the exclusion of all the other tools at your disposal and you're being blind.

To read more of my dog training ramblings, read about my book:
Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!

One of many authenticated testimonials from customers using Adam's dog training techniques:

"He can accompany me anywhere... Out to dinner, the mall, airports, you name it..."

Hello Adam,

Thanks to you, I have the perfect Service Dog!

Your matter of fact approach is both easy to understand and implement because you explain why a dog thinks the way that he does.

Due to your training methods... Jasper has become not only a calm and wonderful companion but a well trained working dog. He can accompany me anywhere, out to dinner, the mall, airports you name it,... and we always get tons of compliments especially when they ask what program he came from and I explain he is owner trained!

He is trained to assist me with balance and braces me as we walk, he also anticipates my gait weaknesses which is always changing due to my Multiple Sclerosis and he will adjust himself to meet my balance needs.

He is also trained to help me get up from a sitting position or if I fall he will help me to stand, or get help for me if necessary. He loves to go get the mail or deliveries and bring them back to me with a single command, and our driveway is over 200 ft long! He has a totally reliable retrieve and can identify over 10 different objects by name. Most of this I attribute to your wonderful insight and advice thru your website and newsletters...

I am including a picture of Jasper and I at the Plaza Casino in Las Vegas from our last visit there.