Training Dobermans With a Clicker

Are you familiar with clicker training? I didn’t really start using this training method until relatively recently, but training a Doberman with a clicker works like a charm! What exactly is clicker training? Let’s take a look…

What is a Clicker?

I’m sure you may have seen them before, but a clicker is a very small, rectangular handheld device that produces a firm, clear, distinct clicking sound when you press the small metal click plate with your thumb. This sound generally has a 20-yard or more range.

What is Doberman Clicker Training?

Clicker training is the ultimate form of reinforcement training. This type of training is perhaps the simplest, most effective way to get your Doberman Pinscher, or any dog for that matter, to learn basic commands or engage in behaviors that you desire. Using the clicker sound as a cue, you treat your dog each and every time he or she does what you want them to do. It is a logical, easy-for-your-dog-to-follow, way to train your Doberman Pinscher.

How To Clicker Train Your Doberman

The idea with clicker training is to ease your dog into a behavior through positive reinforcement, but you have to start somewhere. Your Doberman first has to understand what the clicker sound means before it becomes an effective training tool.

STEP ONE: Reinforcement Linking & Timing

This is a crucial step in training your dog. It is in this phase that you get your dog to understand what the clicker is for. If your dog is already able to sit, have them do so. If not, get them to be relatively stable. Start by clicking your clicker, and then rewarding your dog with a treat that they really enjoy. Timing is key. Do not give the treat and click at the same time because your Doberman will have a hard time linking the two together. Click first and reward one second after clicking. This way your dog knows that the clicking sound is associated with a treat. Try doing this for a few sessions of 10-20 repetitions. You should notice that your dog is responding every time you click and give a treat. If not, make sure your reward is something that your Doberman TRULY enjoys.

STEP TWO: Targeting a Behavior

So now your Doberman knows what the clicker is for. Your Doberman has made the connection between the click and the treat. Now it’s time to get down to business. Let’s take a simple behavior like sitting still. If your dog is sitting, wait until the dog is completely still, eyes focused on you, before reward the behavior. Every single time your dog does that, reward them.

A more advance example might be getting your Doberman Pinscher standing on its hind legs. You can use a treat to get the dog on it’s hind legs. The act of the dog’s legs coming off of the ground is what you want, so click and reward the dog when it happens.

STEP THREE: Progressing to a Command

Your Doberman is doing what you want them to do, GREAT! Keep practicing those behaviors. Once your dog has gotten the hang of the targeted behavior. Add the verbal command aspect. Be patient with this phase of training as a it takes more time for your dog to process verbal cues.

Let’s use the same example as before, when your Doberman was standing on its hind legs. This time, in a firm voice I will say “STAND!,” get the dog to stand get the dog to stand on its hind legs with a treat, click, and reward.

If you are consistent enough with your training using steps one, two, and three, before long, your dog will be able to do the things you want them to do because it makes you happy. The treats won’t even be necessary. Cool, huh?

Where Can I Buy A Clicker?

If you go to your local pet store, you should be able to find a clicker quite easily, and the best part is that IT’S CHEAP! It should only cost about two dollars or so.

Dog Clicker Modifications

A clicker, in its normal state can be a lot louder than you think. In some dogs, the sound of the clicker could be startling or downright frightening. You can mod your clicker by placing some type of adhesive material over the click tab, like putty, clay, Elmer’s Poster Tack, or Blu-Tack for example.

With clicker training and some creative thinking on your part, clicker training can be used to help your dog learn more advanced commands and tricks. I have seen some of the best click trainers use this method to teach a dog to sit with it’s front paws off of the ground, to walk on it’s hind legs, run in patterns, do handstands and more. If you effectively master the basics of clicker training with your Doberman, imagine what you could teach your dog to do. Imagine how much closer you and your dog will become. The sky is the limit!

Happy training.