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Clicker Training & Commitment: Even the Flu Can’t Stop Puppy Progress
Updated: 2 days ago
At SDG Goldens, we believe in consistency and dedication when it comes to raising and training well-rounded English Cream Golden Retrievers. Some days, that means pushing through, even when we’re under the weather! Today was one of those days—I may have the flu, but puppy work doesn’t stop.
One of the most important early training tools we introduce to our puppies is clicker training. This simple yet powerful method helps our puppies associate the sound of a click with positive reinforcement, setting the stage for future obedience and service training.
What is Clicker Training?
Clicker training is a form of positive reinforcement that uses a small device that makes a distinct "click" sound. This sound marks the exact moment a puppy does something desirable, immediately followed by a reward (usually a treat). The click serves as a clear, consistent signal that helps puppies understand what behavior is being rewarded.
For example, if a puppy sits and hears a click, they quickly learn that sitting is a good thing and will likely repeat the behavior. This method is widely used in service dog training, obedience training, and even behavioral shaping for therapy dogs.
Today’s Training Session: Conditioning the Clicker
Since our puppies are still young, today's focus was on building a conditioned response to the clicker—meaning we want them to associate the click with something positive. The process is simple but essential for future training success.
Steps We Took Today:
Click → Treat
Repetition is key. We clicked and immediately followed with a treat, ensuring the puppies made the connection between the two.
No Commands Yet
At this stage, we aren’t asking for any specific behaviors—just reinforcing that a click equals something good.
Short & Positive Sessions
Since puppies have short attention spans, we kept the sessions brief (just a few minutes at a time). The goal is to make training fun and engaging rather than overwhelming.
Multiple Learning Environments
We introduced the clicker in different areas to ensure the puppies generalize the sound and response, not just in one specific setting.
Within just a few rounds, we could see the puppies perking up at the sound of the click, eagerly anticipating their reward. This is exactly what we want—a positive conditioned response that will allow us to build on their training in the coming weeks.
Why Clicker Training is Essential for Our Puppies
At SDG Goldens, we raise our puppies with early training techniques that set them up for success. Clicker training is an essential part of that journey because:
✅ It creates clear communication – Puppies understand exactly which behavior is being rewarded.
✅ It strengthens engagement – Puppies learn to focus and pay attention to the trainer.
✅ It builds confidence – Positive reinforcement encourages puppies to try new things without fear of punishment.
✅ It lays the foundation for service & therapy work – Many advanced training programs rely on conditioned markers like the clicker.
Even though I wasn’t feeling 100%, watching our puppies make those mental connections was well worth the effort!
Looking Ahead
Now that our puppies are responding to the clicker, we’ll start playing games to help them learn a Since they now recognize the click as a marker for reward, we can guide them toward more structured training sessions.
Being sick is never fun, but seeing these little ones thrive makes it all worthwhile. Here’s to consistency, dedication, and the joy of raising incredible puppies!
🐶 Do you use clicker training with your dog? Let us know in the comments!
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