Have you heard of clicker training for Bulldogs? You should know that it is a method for controlling a dog’s behavior with a proven track record for good results. When you understand how to use clicker training you’ll find it takes very little time to teach your young Bulldog a variety of basic or complex commands. Let’s take a closer look at this innovative training technique.
Start clicker training by purchasing a loud clicker from your local pet supply store. Somewhat like Pavlov’s bell, the clicker will be used to communicate with your Bulldog. However, rather than signaling the dog that a specific action is required, the clicker will let them know they’ve responded appropriately to your verbal commands and that a treat is on the way. Association is the common thread in both. Pick up a clicker and a bag of treats, and then read on to find out the details of clicker training for Bulldogs.
Clicker training is as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Step one, instruct the dog to perform a basic action such as sit, lie down, fetch the ball, or come to you. When the Bulldog obeys mark its behavior with a click and a treat. It will take some time for the dog to associate the click with the fulfillment of your wishes, so be patient.
When it does catch on, the clicker offers your Bulldog immediate feedback that it has done a good job, and since a clicker or other noisemaker is more consistent than the variable human voice it is more easily understood. Practice here makes perfect. When your dog responds, provide the treat and continue with the same training for several more repetitions, reinforcing the behavior with clicks and treats.
Be sure to verbally recognize your dog’s behavior, too. In time the clicker will no longer be needed, nor will the treats, and your Bulldog will be contented solely with the sound of your approving words. A loving pat on the head will also communicate your pleasure. Since dogs are wired to want to please their leader, this will create a wonderful synergy between the two of you.
Step two is to move from clicker to voice command. As we alluded to, a well-trained dog can be weaned off the clicker and the treats. Replace the noisemaker with verbal commands and verbal praise, with a good dose of physical affection added to the mix. To help with the transition from clicker to verbal commands, most experts suggest you speak the command and then click immediately, followed by the giving of the reward.
The third step is to supply generous spoken and physical praise whenever your Bulldog obeys your verbal command. In short time a well-trained dog will no longer need to hear the clicker. The response to your verbal commands will become ingrained. You being pleased with your dog will become reward enough. You will enjoy a well-trained dog that you can trust and rely upon. Your Bulldog will enjoy a secure position knowing that it is pleasing and useful to its master.
Jill B