Q: What is positive training?

A: Positive training involves gentle, non-forceful methods for training animals of all species, ages, breeds and temperaments. These training methods focus on promoting and rewarding appropriate behaviors rather than focusing on punishing inappropriate behaviors.

Q: What learning principles does positive training use?

A: Positive training uses two primary principles: positive reinforcement and negative punishment. Positive reinforcement happens when you give pets rewards for doing things correctly. Doing this consistently increases the chances that your pets will repeat the desired behaviors. An example of positive reinforcement is giving a dog a treat when she sits. Negative punishment occurs when you don't allow your pets to get something they want when they do something undesirable. Doing this consistently decreases the chances that your pets will repeat the undesired behaviors. An example of negative punishment is leaving the room when your dog barks (or bird screams) for attention.

Q: What is a "real" clicker trainer?

A: In our opinion, a "real" clicker trainer uses only non-corrective techniques
(e.g. no physical force) thereby allowing animals to make the decision to perform desired behaviors on their own without experiencing discomfort or physical punishment. Clicker training should be enjoyable for both the animal and the trainer.


Q: If I train with a clicker will I have to use it forever?

A: The clicker is a tool which tells your pets what they do correctly. Its primary purpose is to allow your pets to figure out what you want them to do. After your pets understand what you want and you have put the behavior on cue (e.g. you have a word or signal that the animal associates with the behavior), the clicker is not necessary to mark the behavior.

If you start teaching a new behavior, or need to work on an old behavior in a new enviornment or situation, the clicker can help your dog focus on the training and (in our opinion) learn faster as a result.


Q: I am training my dog for competitive obedience. Since I can't take the clicker into the obedience ring isn't this useless for me?

A: Clicker training is a successful and effective way to train dogs for competitive obedience. More and more clicker-trained dogs are reaching the highest levels of obedience competition every day.

As with traditional training tools, you need to teach your dog what the cues mean and when to do them. Similarly you also need to spend appropriate time increasing your expectations until full sets of exercises are possible. Most tools used to train dogs correctively in obedience are not allowed in the ring (those that are shouldn't be needed, and shouldn't be allowed in our opinion) so using a clicker does not put you at a disadvantage.

I have achieved scores of 198.5 and 197.5 (out of a possible 200) with my dog Roo (as part of his Companion Dog title) using the clicker and positive training to get him ready for competition.