Clicker Train Cocker Spaniel

Clicker training is one of the most effective ways to train any breed of dog. There are slightly different variations on how to clicker train Cocker Spaniel dogs but all include the use of a small, hand held clicker combined with treats, positive praise and attention and some good old petting and play.

Before getting started it is a good idea to read about how to clicker train Cocker Spaniel dogs and have a basic understanding of the theory. Clicker training works as an instantaneous cue that lets the dog know by a sound, not the human voice, that they are on the right track. The theory behind clicker training is similar to natural behavioral learning for dogs. They do something good and get a reward, then they repeat that behavior to get another reward. The clicker just acts as a cue that a reward is coming, giving immediate positive reinforcement.

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It is essential when learning how to clicker train Cocker Spaniel dogs that the dogs know what the clicker means. To do this all you have to do is find a quiet, distraction free area and simply click the clicker, then provide the dog a very tiny reward. Keep repeating this, just click, reward with a treat and repeat. Don’t give the dog any commands, all you are trying to do is get the dog to associate the sound of the clicker with the giving of a treat. Keep the treats really small a healthy, small pieces of boiled chicken or thin slices of all beef low or no sodium hotdogs are a good option. Once the Cocker understands the connection between the clicker and the treat you are ready to get started.

When people first learn how to clicker train Cocker Spaniel dogs or puppies they sometimes get confused with traditional training. In clicker training the dog learns the behavior and then the word cue, not the other way around. So all the trainer has to do is watch for the dog or puppy to do something desired, such as come over, then the dog immediately gets a click and a treat. Soon the puppy or dog comes because they know that at click and treat will follow. Once the Cocker is intentionally using the behavior, start to give a verbal command plus the click and the treat. Within a few short repetitions fade out the click and you have a dog that is trained to come on command.

The same principle is used no matter what command you eventually want the dog to learn. When reading how to clicker train Cocker Spaniel you will notice that it isn’t required for the dog to do the whole behavior, you can reward closer and closer approximations. This will be important with more challenging commands such as the down and stay command. Don’t give a command until the dog is already doing the behavior based on the positive feedback from the clicker and the food treats as well as your positive attention and rewards.