Clicker training is a good method for cats and dogs to teach the pet the desired behavior or to get it to perform small tricks and stunts. This is a method from behavioral psychology in which an animal associates a sound with a reward. By using the clicker correctly, desired behavior can be taught. However, there are differences between dogs and cats: While most dogs accept clicker training very well, cats may need more persuasion. With patience, practice and of course rewards, most cats can be trained through clicker training over time.
Clicker training for cats and dogs: how to get started
There are actually no big secrets surrounding clicker training for cats and dogs. As long as the rules of clicker training are followed, the desired success should be achieved after a while - more for some animals, less for others. The key to this is that the animal has associated the clicking sound with a positive event before starting the exercise. This means: when it clicks, it gets a reward. The cat or dog should not see the treat beforehand and should only receive it immediately after the click.
At the beginning, conditioning should be carried out without any expectations or associated tasks and should be limited to the "click - treat" cycle. This is the most reliable way for cats and dogs to learn clicker training. To test whether conditioning was successful, you can use the clicker when the animal is distracted. If the animal reacts and comes running towards you expectantly, for example, the connection is there. Very important: In order to maintain this, the clicker should only be used as a positive confirmation signal and not as a lure. The clicker should also not be used to break unwanted behavior.
Which exercises are suitable for clicker training with cats and dogs?
Clicker training can be used for many different training exercises or for sporting activities with cats and dogs. This includes the basics (sit & stay, paw, target training, hide-and-seek for cats) as well as more advanced tasks. Clicker training is particularly suitable for dogs in the area of agility. As with the original conditioning, it is important that the clicker is used at the right moment in order to connote the desired behavior positively. So pay close attention to what your dog or cat is doing and avoid distractions during training. With new or difficult exercises, it can be useful to reward partial steps towards the goal of the exercise in order to show the pet a path to success.
Rewarding dogs and cats during clicker training: Which treats are suitable?
To ensure that dogs and cats enjoy learning during clicker training, they should of course be given treats that they enjoy. At the same time, the rewards should not replace a meal or be as large as a meal. In our BARF shop, for example, you will find many training treats for dogs that are ideal as training snacks. There are also other treats for dogs and treats for cats that can be easily portioned and are made from high-quality natural products.
We wish you much success with clicker training with cats and dogs!
