Clicker Dog Training Controversy: Does It Really Work?
There are many people who do not “believe” in clicker dog training. Clicker training is just a basic term used to describe a training system based on positive reinforcement. Clicker training relies on reinforcers, which can be anything the dog likes. The reinforcer is presented at the correct time so that specific information can be communicated between the trainer and the dog.
With clicker training, you can literally train your dog without touching or talking to him. Clicker training can result in behaviors that are as reliable or more consistent than the results obtained with traditional training methods.
It is not voodoo. It is not magic. It is based on pure science.
If you train dogs over a period of time, it is obvious that some dogs tolerate the traditional “pull and thank” method of training better than others. At best, some dogs seem a bit dazed and confused. At worst, some dogs become fearful, defensive, and violent.
No one rules out the effectiveness of traditional dog training methods. Of course it works. But we’ve also seen what violent husbands can do, both physically and mentally. Do your wives “obey”? Of course they do. So just because something works doesn’t mean it’s good.
Some owners brag and say, “Look how much my dog wants to please me. He doesn’t need to work to get treats. My happiness is all the reward he needs.”
Sure, dogs like to have a happy owner. But is the dog really working to please the owner or just to avoid punishment?
Do you go to work every day because you like to make your boss happy? What if one day you receive an email stating that you will no longer receive a paycheck? Would you keep going?
Still, I’m not surprised that many people, including traditional dog trainers, discount the effectiveness of clicker dog training. In fact, 9 out of 10 “professional” clicker trainers use the techniques incorrectly. Despite their good intentions, these clicker trainers are certainly not doing the dog (or science) any favors.