Behavioral Health: Clicker Training

CLICKER TRAINING

Rescue Village implemented mandatory clicker training with all shelter dogs in early 2022.

Since, All animal care staff and volunteers who interact with animals, especially dogs, are required to learn and use clicker training in their interactions with shelter animals.

Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement that rewards animals for desirable behaviors.

According to the American Kennel Club, the clicker training technique is “based on the science of animal learning, which says that behaviors that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated in then future.” In clicker training, dogs learn to associate the sound of the clicker with a high-value treat or other rewards.

Clicker Training Goals:

1. Increase responsiveness
2. Reduce stress
3. Improve behavior