Is Clicker Training Puppies Appropriate?

Good news! You can start clicker training puppies the minute they come home from the shelter or breeder. In fact, the sooner you start clicker training your puppy, the better.

Unlike conventional dog training methods that use a choke collar and leash, there's nothing harmful or potentially frightening about clicker training. You definitely don't have to wait until your puppy reaches a specific age to begin.

Puppies are also little food-seeking machines and will be VERY eager to learn what makes you CLICK! In fact, puppies often learn much faster than older dogs. The great thing about clicker training is that it doesn't matter how old your dog is or what kind of breed or temperament. Clicker training can be used in any and all circumstances.

There are four general starting exercises for you and your puppy to work on. These include:
1. Sit and Down
2. Come When Called
3. Walk on a Loose Leash
4. 101 Things to Do With A Box

Some puppies learn one behavior more easily than another. Just take it at your own pace. A great resource for learning how to clicker train your puppy is ClickerTrainingSecrets.com.

This is the book that I recommend to all clients at the veterinary hospital where I work because I found it very helpful for training our Jack Russell Terrier, Penny.