How to Use Clicker Training With Multiple Dogs
Clicker training is known to be an effective way to train dogs without punishment or negative actions. If you have multiple dogs in your home, it may be necessary to train all the dogs at once using a clicker. Training all the dogs simultaneously will save time and frustration, and the dogs will pick up on the training easier by observing each other.
Things You'll Need:
- Clicker made for training dogs
- Treats
- Gather the dogs you are working with in groups of no more than three at a time. If working in groups any larger than that, the dogs will be easily distracted, making it hard to conduct an effective training session. Keep any extra dogs in a separate room until it is their turn.
- Say a simple command that all the dogs are familiar with to begin. “Sit” is a good command to start with that is easy for dogs to understand.
- Click the clicker at the exact same time you say the command. The goal is for the dogs to associate the command with the click, so do not wait until after you verbalize the command to use the clicker.
- Give the dogs a treat immediately after they have performed the command. This will help the dogs to associate completing the command with receiving a treat. Do not wait too long or the dog will not make the connection.
- Distribute the treats to all dogs who performed the action, even if they did not complete the action simultaneously.
- Repeat the command, using the clicker each time. Give a treat to each dog after the action is performed. After only a few repetitions, the dogs should begin to associate the clicking noise with the desired behavior.
- Try different commands that the dog is familiar with, using the same process. Be sure to give the treat only if the right action for the command is performed. This will enforce the command being given with the correct behavior.
- Introduce new behaviors to the dogs while continuing to use the clicker each time. After several sessions, the dogs will begin to associate the sound of the clicker with a command, and will be able to discern which command is being given.
- Keep each of the sessions with multiple dogs short, with only one or two commands being practiced during the time. If the dogs become distracted by each other and are having a hard time performing behaviors, end the session and try again another time.