Why I Don't Use Clickers For Training Dogs

Why I Don't Use Clickers For Training Dogs

[Kr]

To me a clicker is just an annoying distraction. But to each their own.

[susangarvey]

This man has given me a whole new dimension on dog training, my JRT has got so far in her development because i have stuck to crertain things ive learned from this channel, a notorious breed for
being a bit stubborn she has come so far and at 16 months old i am now working on, although a bit stubborn, the breeds eagerness to please. Working on recall now, indoors and out, and once ive got her tracking collar sorted out shell be out and around in the wild. Socialised, obedient and very friendly, alot of this is down to this guy and my persistence, I never thought I'd get this far. I would like to see him working with a Patterdale terrier, my dog is mostly Jack Russell, she is a quarter Patterdale, have had to do a bit of research on them, I've owned JRTs before, the Patterdale in her added a bit of a different dimension. Happy dog training everone, especially to all the terrier owners out there.❤

[northernredneck]

My sentiment exactly. I would add that I can show enthusiasm with words as well.

[hezvandermeij]

I'm a ServiceDog handler, I use the "yes" marker myself like you say. A friend of mine is also a SD handler but he has some speech issues, his hands can respond quicker than verbal. So for him, a clicker was the perfect solution.
I think that clickers *can* be useful, for the right folk with the right reasons. For everybody else just use a verbal marker tbh

[Sobiteme]

I tried a clicker. Too clinical. Verbal praise is the best ❤❤❤

[erinheathermcintyre]

I'm 100% with ya here!
I tried clickers for awhile and on many occasions I didn't have my clicker or put it in wrong pocket or a bunch of stuff that I felt make the clicker inconvenient as opposed to a well placed "yes" marker.

I did give it a solid try. A few tries in fact. But I felt the vocal yes marker was just more exact and I could add pep/zest to the YES to emphasize my approval of a behavior

[towpottsfam]

Saying this to my partner all the time.
Hate the clicker ...fumbling about and missing the moment because as well as the blumming clicker, I'm carrying leads, state ball, thrower, treats, bags of poo, holding kids hands etc.. I've only got 2 hands for 2 dogs and 2 kids and all their stuff...forget the blumming clicker .just playing this to my bloke. 😂

[Jessesgirl]

As were new to the click training with our puppy (GS Pointer high energy, needs constant stimulation). The breeder is much like me. One day I my not feel as well so my voice may not be as consistent as the clicker to begin training with. I think until they have it down well, you could do both. Or with a new command/trick use the clicker.
Our Jack Russell knew the tone of my voice if I was more serious. She wasn't the average jack Russell. She was very calm 99% of the time. Dogs reflect their owners.
Thank you for your video sir.

[sergecool]

I literally thought the same thing before arriving at this video and did fine with my Greyhounds.
I think it serves it's purpose but it's a smart move in general to move them off Clickers once you've trained their obedience. Nice vid 🎉

[ismetyalimalatli]

Amateurs, like myself, are normally prone to paraphrasing which may lead to inconsistencies in your marker. We may say "yes" 8 out of 10 times but may say "ok" or "great" by mistake. Clicker eliminates it in non professionals. But I understand and agree with you sir. Afterall you do this job full time and far more experienced then I am.

[doeheart]

Honestly is sounds like a good idea to have multiple markers in case theirs a situation were one can’t be used and you could probably make it more complicated by charging certain markers with certain tasks/choices/behaviors/etc for different outcomes too if you have the time!

[susans]

I used clicker mixed with voice, leash, etc. It was wonderful in some places to have no one know I was actually training my dog. He was my service dog and went with me everywhere. So for example, I could be in a meeting and didn't want to say yes, or good boy, so I used a ball point pen as a clicker. He knew immediately he was a good boy!

[angelareimann]

My sheltie always loathed the sound of clickers. I have learned to dial down what she needs from me. We work best with quiet communication. Although she can be shouty when her sheltyness can't help herself 😊.

[hollywoods]

Best part about clickers is they are a more clear signal in the formative stages. Voice varies, clicker is immediate and clearly understood by the dog. Many trainers have this same bias against them because they have not taken the time to train (or retrain) a ‘difficult’ dog with the method. If you had you would understand that the voice can be integrated later and clicker phased out. The benefit is the relationship you build with the dog when done properly, your voice saying ‘yessss’ is NO way as clear, consistent or fast as the clicker, especially not for beginners. JMHO

[makennaguio]

I only use clickers when teaching a new, simple trick. I used it to teach touch (nose to hand), and it worked wonders. I keep it on me, but never rely on having a marker other than yes, because once a dog knows what their doing, they don't need to be marked. If you ask them to sit, they know when they sat if they know the word sit, so I only use it on learning dogs. I'm not a professional and love to use everything in my arsenal, but love your videos keep teaching us :>

[sugar]

That’s a very valid point! I am utterly useless when it comes to remembering things

[MercylynAlmonte-Bird]

Clickers while not ‘needed’ does stand out more as a novel sound, I do both clicking and say ‘yes’ but these things only reinforce a command or gesture to which my pup has grown confidence in. That said, to each their own when training because if you’re watching this - then you’re on the right path to shaping and bonding with your dog❤ don’t give up!!!! It takes time!

[thehomme]

I agree. I use both though. There are studies that show a clicker is almost 30% more efficient in teaching the dog. Certain skills especially via shaping are much easier to teach with a clicker in my experience.

[ChimeraSoul]

The other nice thing about the clicker is its very consistent sound which (pun intended) clicks faster with a dog than a verbal marker. But i definitely agree with him with personal dog i just use verbal markers its just as effective and im not always going to have it....for a working dog or a specific task where persise consistency i might opt in with using a clicker. Use the right tool for the right job.

[erwin]

The problem is that in our language (Dutch) we tend to use yes to often with our dogs. Same as “free” or “vrij” in Dutch. Therefor for me it is easier to use the clicker. Especially a ring clicker is easy because you can’t lose it and almost not forget it. But good information!