How to Use Clicker Training For Puppies

Clicker training has been used to train puppies and dogs for over 70 years. Colonel Konrad Most was the inventor of the clicker that was used to train military dogs in the 1950s. A well trained puppy or dog provides love, companionship, and protection for many owners.  

1. Purchase a training clicker from a local pet supply store or order one online. Clickers are fairly inexpensive so purchasing a few will help in the training routine.


2. Buy some treats for the puppy to use as a reward during the training process.   The treats are best if they are bite sized and the puppy likes them.


3. Start the training with the puppy with a simple command. You can start with sit and when the puppy sits reward it with a treat.


4. Click the clicker only once when the puppy does the complete the command.


5. Place your hand with the treat completely covered to allow the puppy to smell the treat. If the puppy nips at your hand remove the hand and give the puppy the command again. Click the clicker at the same time you give the treat so the puppy related the click with a reward. Repeat this several times so the puppy understands the undesired action.


6. Continue with more advanced commands for the puppy. Remembering to reward the puppy and click the clicker at the same time when the treat is given.


7. As the training continues increase the time between the click and the treat. This lets the puppy know that the click is also a reward for proper behavior.