A clicker can be a great tool for initial dog training. It is a very simple plastic apparatus that has a metal strip inside. You press a button, and it makes a distinct clicking sound. You can use a clicker to communicate with your dog when he does something correctly.

In order for the clicker to work, your dog must understand what a click means. Introduce it to your dog by clicking, and then giving him a small treat. You should click in numerous parts of the house and outside. The dog should know that whenever or wherever he hears the click, a treat will follow. It won't take long before your dog starts anticipating a treat after hearing a click. Once you see him looking around anxiously for a treat after you click, you know his mind has made the connection.

After your dog knows what the clicker means, you can use it during training sessions. Give commands, and after the dog follows your instructions, press the clicker. Your dog will have instant gratification for obeying you. Moreover, he learns to listen even when you're not holding food to entice him. Keep the treats in your pocket. Eventually, move on to other rewards like petting and praise. This will let your dog know his obedience is always appreciated, even though you cannot give him food all the time.

Proper Dog Clicker Training
Some people notice how well their dogs respond to the clicker and then mistakenly use it to issue commands. A clicker, however, should only be used to indicate the dog has completed a command. A dog that sits when asked, for example, will hear the approving click and know a treat or some other reward is on its way. When you change the function of the clicker, the meaning of a click becomes convoluted in the dog's mind.