Why do we use these approaches?

We teach with the well researched, science based approach with positive reinforcement. We use clicker training/training approaches to help dogs to learn more quickly.

We do NOT use any aversive approaches in our classes – equipment which is designed to punish (slip leads, prong collars, choke chains, anti bark collars etc).  We do not use any body handling approaches to get the dog to comply (such as pushing/pulling the dog into position) as we know that teaching dogs to make great choices (which we like too) leads them to making these choices when we are absent or at a distance.

What is clicker training and why is it different?

Some styles of dog training take approaches such as:

  • “do it because I say so” – using the view that people should be ‘dominant’ to their dogs
  • Handling the dog into position (like pushing their bottom to the ground to make them sit) or using the lead to make them walk next to you
  • Using treats to get what you want – by showing the dog the treat to get them to comply or follow the food
  • Using aversive methods – such as equipment, or approaches which are based on teaching the dog through negative experiences to avoid the consequences of something.

How is clicker training and its approach different?

Clicker training and the approach it is based on (whether you use a clicker and/or a marker word) is well established and researched.  It is well supported by major dog organisations such as BatterseaPDSA and Dogs Trust

It acts like a conversation between you both since the dog sees it as a game where they can get access to things which they value (such as treats, play, petting etc) by offering you a behaviour. The dog has to use his brain to think about what he is being rewarded for – he tries out various behaviours from his repertoire and then when the one we want him to repeat gets offered, we click and then reward him.  The reward acts as a reinforcer to encourage the behaviour to happen again.

Have a look at this great advice how to get started with clicker training

Dogs learn by working out what is rewarding – even if we inadvertently reward the wrong things.  So, touching your dog when he jumps up at you could be considered by the dog as positive and actually reinforces the behaviour.  Or, you could reward him for doing something other than jumping up – doesn’t have to be sitting, it could just be keeping all 4 paws on the floor.  The clicker/marker word allows you to pinpoint the exact moment that the dog gets it right.  This makes it far quicker for the dog to work out what you want.

We use the approaches to teach and refine what we want the dog to learn and offer again.