Clickers
The clicker is simply a small, hand-held training tool. When the user depresses the clicker button, it emits a click sound. Using the clicker allows the trainer to quickly shape new behaviors.
USING THE CLICKER AS A TRAINING TOOL
The clicker is used to 'mark' the exact moment that a desired behavior occurs, signaling to the dog that he has performed a behavior that will be rewarded with a treat.
CONDITIONING THE DOG TO THE CLICKER. Food and toys are primary reinforcers. We condition the dog to associate one click with receiving a primary reinforcer. Once the dog makes this association, the sound of the click becomes a secondary reinforcer (a powerful reinforcer all by itself).
To reinforce means 'to make stronger'. Each time we click a desired behavior when it occurs, we reinforce that behavior (making the behavior more likely to occur again).
The clicker acts sort of like a DOUBLE reward. Using the clicker accelerates the shaping of new behaviors by engaging the dog to think about what the trainer is asking for. If the dog offers the wrong behavior, the trainer simply ignores the behavior. If the dog offers the correct behavior, the trainer rewards the dog first with a click (secondary reinforcer), then with a primary reinforcer (usually a treat).