Papillon dog

　　 Dog clicker training is a method of training that uses a clicker to regulate and reinforce the dog’s behavior during the training process, indicating that the dog is doing the right thing. So, how should we use a clicker to train a dog? First, we need to prepare a clicker, a dog leash, a command stick, and treats to reward the dog.

　　 There are three methods to use a clicker to train a dog:

　　 The first method is the lure method. The lure method is a relatively fast but not precise training method, which often causes confusion for the dog. It uses pet treats to attract the dog’s interest in the training and to perform the training actions. As soon as the dog does the correct action, immediately press the clicker, then give the dog a treat.

　　 The second method is the capture method. The capture method is a more natural and precise method but takes longer for initial training. In this method, no treats are used to lure the dog, nor are any hand signals or sounds used as reminders. Just observe the dog’s actions or behaviors, and when the dog performs the desired training action or behavior, immediately press the clicker, then reward the dog with treats.

　　 The third method is the shaping method. The shaping method breaks down the desired dog action or behavior into many similar training steps, then links these actions together to train the dog to achieve the desired action or behavior. The shaping method requires no hand signals or pet treats as reminders. As long as the owner carefully observes the dog’s actions or behaviors during training, whenever the dog initially anticipates the owner’s response to some action or behavior, immediately press the clicker and then give the dog treats. It can also be understood as breaking down the owner’s expected actions or behaviors into steps, training each step using the capture method gradually until reaching the owner’s desired action or behavior.(Source: PetsZone)