Gregg Flowers: Your voice is probably the best tool for training

4:56 PM, Jul. 31, 2014  |  Comments
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Question: I'm thinking about "clicker training" for my young dog. Is this a method that can really work?

Answer: Clicker training, to the uninitiated, is a method of dog training wherein the owner uses a clicker along with commands. The command is given and when your dog complies, he hears a click and gets a treat. The "clicker" itself is a new version of an old toy we annoyed our parents with back in the '60s. It's a bent flat metal spring that as it's depressed with your thumb makes a clicking sound. The modern version is a little plastic box that has the flat piece of metal inside and you simply click it with your thumb. They can be purchased at any pet store.

Does clicker training work? Yes, it works. And proponents of the method swear by it. The most interesting aspects of this technique to me, however, are first of all, somebody had the bright idea to begin with, and secondly, the fact that dogs are so inherently smart they can catch on and adapt to an infinite number of training protocols. I personally have never prescribed to the clicker training technique, mainly because it's not very discreet. When I work with a dog, the idea is to get to a place where we can communicate in a concise and subtle way, not particularly drawing attention to ourselves. But probably the biggest reason to me for not fooling around with clicker training is that we already possess a wonderful instrument for discreetly and effectively communicating to our dog that he's on the right track or not: Our voice box! Our very own voice is a marvelous tool for communicating with our dog. We always carry it with us, and Fluffy easily comes to understand the nuances of your vocal inflection. The only drawback perhaps is that it takes a bit of understanding and work to use our voice to it's best effectiveness.

I broached this subject last week when I discussed how important it is to use the appropriate tone of voice for both cues and corrections. To reiterate briefly, cues and commands should be given in an upbeat, happy, encouraging tone, and corrections (only) should be given in a stern, corrective tone, EVEN if Fluffy runs out the door and is cavorting around the neighborhood, ignoring your pleas for her to "come." Using an "I mean business" tone of voice won't work very well because your tone communicates she's in trouble (which, of course, she IS), but giving her reason to have trepidation about returning to you ultimately isn't effective when it comes to getting her to do what you want in this situation. So you still must use a happy tone when you implore her to "come!"

Perhaps the biggest mistake I see daily with dog owners learning to control their dog verbally is repeating commands. When you tell your dog to sit, for example, tell her once, and if she doesn't comply, the very next thing out of your mouth, should be "no!" as you step toward her. Still no compliance? Say "no!" again as you step closer. (Note: It pays to patiently wait a few seconds here, between corrections, while you maintain eye contact, to give her a second or two perhaps to process what you're insisting upon.) After three "nos!" gently put your hand behind the bend in her rear legs and fold her into the sitting position with your other hand on her chest as you say "sit." Then reward her (even though you basically made her do it). Repeating a cue over and over teaches Fluffy she needn't obey the first time. Balancing your tone appropriately back and forth as you need it will bring remarkable results. But it does require more finesse than using a clicker.

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