Clicker Training

I never gave clicker training too much thought, despite all the good things I'd heard about it. I recall thinking "Why would I buy and carry around a clicker when I can just use my voice and/or treats?"

However, as I become more and more interested in the world of positive dog training, I've gained a newfound respect for Karen Pryor, and consequently clicker training. Karen Pryor, one of the founders of clicker training, outlines 15 tips for getting started with the clicker on her website. She also answers my question: "Why can't I just use my voice?" You can read her response by following the link, but the gist of it is that the click offers a unique sound that your pet hears only as a reward marker, whereas your voice can signify very many different things.

You can pick up a clicker at virtually any pet store in town. Karen Pryor's website even offers a clicker leash, to free up your hands while you're working on loose leash walking.