Clicker Training Examples
Many desired behaviors start with the nose-touch, where the dog learns to
touch an identified target, such as a small piece of plastic, with its nose;
that behavior can then be transported to perform useful tasks or interesting
tricks such as flipping a light switch or ringing a bell to go outside.
Training the nose touch begins with getting the dog to touch a target with its
nose; trainers sometimes use a guided method, such as placing a dab of peanut
butter on a small plate or plastic target; others prefer shaping, where the
target is placed in easy reach, such as in the trainer's hand between the
trainer and the dog, and the dog is rewarded each time he moves in the target's
direction or actually touches it.
When the dog is consistently touching the target, the trainer progresses to a
target with and without food and in different positions. Eventually, the trainer
can transfer the behavior to a bell, for example by holding the target behind
the bell so that the dog has to touch the bell to get at the target, and then
rewarding the touching of the bell. When the dog is reliably touching the bell,
the trainer now adds the act of opening the door to the reward each time the dog
strikes the bell.
Targeting for Horses: For horses, loading or charging the clicker is usually not
done. It's best for horses that a clear marker is used so that the horse does
not expect "unearned" treats.
