Clicker training, or marker-based training, is a form of positive reinforcement-based training that focuses on marking the behavior you like and reinforcing it, rather than focusing on the behavior you don't like. Desirable behavior is usually marked using a clicker, a mechanical device that makes a short, distinct "click" sound that tells the animal exactly when it is doing the right thing. The click is followed by something that the animal finds reinforcing (i.e., food treats). This technique is based on the science of how animals learn, which shows that a dog—or any animal, for that matter—is more likely to learn and repeat actions that result in consequences it desires and enjoys. Clicker training also enables training of behaviors that would be extremely difficult, or even impossible, to train any other way. 

Watch this entertaining clicker training video produced by Karen Pryor Academy (KPA) faculty member Juliana DeWillems. KPA CTP Damelle Morgan, Sr. and his dog Warrior demonstrate how clicker training is an effective, safe, humane, and fun way to teach any animal any behavior that it is physically and mentally capable of doing!

Happy Clicking!