Category Archives: Clickers

Clicker training

Clickers are often associated with positive reinforcement training

What is Positive Reinforcement?

Positive reinforcement is a popular and effective training method for dogs, cats, horses, and just about any living, breathing creature. It involves rewarding the animal for desirable behaviours, rather than punishing them for undesirable behaviours. This type of training has become increasingly popular in recent years as more people have become aware of its effectiveness and its benefits over other training methods.

One of the key elements of positive reinforcement training is the use of treats as rewards. Treats can motivate the animal to perform a desired behaviour and help reinforce that behaviour. For example, if you want your dog to sit on command, you can reward them with a treat every time they successfully sit. Over time, your dog will learn that sitting is a behaviour that results in a reward, and they will be more likely to sit on command in the future.

Using Rewards Effectively

When using treats as rewards, choosing healthy and appealing treats is essential. For dogs, this might include small pieces of cooked chicken or cheese. For cats, it might be small pieces of tuna or salmon. Horses may enjoy carrot pieces or apple slices as treats. It is important to ensure that the treats are tiny and can be devoured quickly to keep the training momentum going. Making the treats part of your animal’s overall diet is also advisable to avoid weight gain.

Treats for horses, cats and dogs

Clickers are often associated with positive reinforcement training

To make it easy to carry and get access to treats during training, many trainers use treat bags. These pouches can be attached to your belt or waistband and used to hold treats. This lets you quickly and easily reward your animal during training sessions without fumbling with a bag of goodies.

Another tool that is commonly used in positive reinforcement training is a clicker. A clicker is a small device that makes a clicking sound when pressed. The sound marks the desired behaviour, letting the animal know that they have done something right and that a reward is coming. Clickers are particularly useful as they give instant feedback, marking the moment when the task is completed successfully, i.e., if you’re asking for a sit, click when the bottom touches the ground.

Treat Bags

Treat bags come in all shapes and sizes and make training more efficient

Reward Good Behaviour

Reward-based training is about reinforcing positive behaviours, rather than punishing negative ones. This means that when your animal does something wrong, you should focus on redirecting their behaviour, rather than punishing them. For example, suppose your dog is jumping up on people. In that case, you might redirect their behaviour by asking them to sit instead. You can reward them with a treat when they sit, reinforcing the desired behaviour.

Tools of the Trade

In addition to treats and clickers, there are a variety of other rewards that can be used in positive reinforcement training. For example, praise and affection are powerful rewards that can be used to reinforce good behaviour. Also, many pets respond well to toys. So you might reward them with a treat, a word of praise, or a throw of their favourite ball, letting them know that they have done something good.

Target sticks

Target sticks are a very useful tool in training

Positive reinforcement training can teach a wide variety of behaviours, from basic commands like “sit” and “stay” to more advanced behaviours like agility training and obedience competitions. The key is to be consistent and patient, rewarding your animal for the behaviours you want them to exhibit and redirecting their behaviour when they do something wrong.

Building a Bond

One of the benefits of positive reinforcement training is that it helps to build a stronger bond between you and your animal. By focusing on positive behaviours and rewarding your animal for good behaviour, you build trust and strengthen your relationship. This can lead to a happier, healthier, and more well-behaved animal.

“With clicker training I feel that there is no longer any barrier between me and my dog – we now speak the same language”

A Trained Dog is a Happy, More Confident Dog

In conclusion, positive reinforcement training is a highly effective training method that can be used to train dogs, cats, and horses, to name the obvious ones. It involves rewarding the animal for desirable behaviours, rather than punishing them for undesirable behaviours. Clickers, target sticks, and treat bags are all useful tools. In addition, treats, toys, praise, and other rewards can motivate and reinforce positive behaviours. By using positive reinforcement training, you can build a stronger bond with your animal and help them become happier, healthier, and better behaved.

Rose

Create a special bond with your pet

Rosie Pup

Meet Rosie

Rosie, helping with the baling

Fetching Her Home

We had met her before, three weeks earlier. She was a bold little pup with her mum and dad to back her up, but when we came to collect her, she was very timid and quite nervous. We scooped her up and loaded her in the car, in the crate that had been painstakingly prepared for her. Sadly, she didn’t make it the few miles home without bringing up her breakfast.

Rosie on her way home

Introducing her to the others

Now it was our turn to be nervous! Both Jack and Archie had welcomed a few pups in their time, so we weren’t too bothered about them. Toby’s only pup experience was with Tilly; he was a bit snappy with her until he got to know her. Tilly had no pup experience, and her eyes stood out on stalks on her first sighting!

We were cautious with all the introductions and are still vigilant now. We don’t ever leave them completely alone together.

Toby does love to play

She loves them and is determined to join in with their games, but we are aware of the huge difference in sizes and so take the utmost care to ensure she’s properly supervised, as once the small puppy teeth start snapping, things can get a bit wild. At that point, she goes into her crate for some time out.

Naming Names

We had initially decided to call her Lily. However, after a confusing few days of Tilly and Lily, we saw the error of our ways and renamed her Rosie!

Vet visit

On the second day, at around six in the evening, we noticed that her eyes were swollen almost shut. We guessed that she had suffered an allergic reaction but to what? Was it our grass, her food, or had she been stung? After bathing her eyes, we decided we should speak to a vet to be on the safe side. Within the hour, we were at the surgery. By that time, the swelling had gone and she was practically back to normal. While we were there, the vet checked her thoroughly and recommended we gave her half an antihistamine tablet.

The following day her ears were puffy and red, so she had another half tablet and was fine. Since that time, we have had no more allergic reactions, thank goodness.

Toys

All toys had to be thoroughly examined and any squeakers surgically removed – all toys seem to have squeakers these days – so as not to upset Toby. We found the soft treat dispensing toys were the most popular and useful, especially the Lotus Ball. We also ensured we always had some sort of toy near to hand so that when she started biting with those sharp puppy teeth, we had something to divert her attention and protect our limbs!

She enjoys slurping lots of water, so we introduced her to the Chilly Penguin.

Music by:  Music Unlimited Hip-Hop Is

Fun and Games

In the evenings, after a busy day, the dogs all like to chill out while we watch TV. Rosie, of course, hasn’t quite got the hang of that yet and thinks it’s a great time to wind everybody up.

We have found the Sniffing Carpet for smaller pets is perfect for her. By the time she has finished foraging for the treats, she is ready to lay down and relax.

Music by:  Music Unlimited Uplifting Piano Is

Each night we fill treat dispensing toys and put them in her crate. She literally skips towards the crate at bedtime and has been known to sit outside impatiently howling to get in!

Clicker training

It really is quicker with a clicker!

We waited a week before we started clicker training. As we had changed Rosie’s diet, we wanted to give her a chance to get accustomed to the new food before we started feeding her lots of treats. Tuning her into the clicker was easy since she is very food oriented. We spent one day on that and the following day started training properly.

The first thing we taught her was eye contact. Called her name, which she barely knew at that point, and when she looked at us, clicked and treated.

The sit followed, and then down. All of which were straightforward and learned in minutes.

She has now learned settle on an old car mat, and it literally took three attempts for her to get the hang of it.

She is so enthusiastic when it comes to clicker training and initiates the training herself.

Puppy Training Treats

We used a variety of treats, all especially recommended for puppies. The only problem was the size of them.

For clicker training, you need small, tasty treats that can be quickly eaten so you can treat and move on.

All of the puppy treats had to be chopped into tiny pieces for her initial training. Now she is having slightly larger pieces.

Rosie loved them all and was happy to work for any of them!

She has settled in well

Rosie Loves: All tested and approved!

From left to right Lotus Ball, KONG Ballistic, Puppy KONG, Chilly Penguin, Sniffing Carpet for Smaller Pets

Click Your Cat

Spring Training

Dog Training Clickers

Clicks for Everyone

We have dog training clickers galore to choose from. Which one will click with you?

The traditional BOX Clicker is a great positive reinforcement training tool for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, chickens, horses, and MORE! This is our loudest clicker. Perfect for training inside, outside, and at a distance.

The TEARDROP Shaped Clicker has an ergonomic design for a comfortable fit in your hand and is complemented with an easy to press button which prevents missed clicks.

The QT CLICK is better for sound-sensitive animals because it has a more muted click than the traditional box clicker.

A Fresh New Look

Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Special Edition Navy Polk Dot Treat Bag

Doggone Good SPECIAL EDITION Polka Dot Rapid Rewards Training Treat Pouch

Our gorgeous new Doggone Good SPECIAL EDITION Rapid Rewards Treat Pouch in a fresh, stylish Navy Polka Dot fabric is just perfect for training sessions this spring!

As with all the Doggone Good range of treat bags, it is packed with features. There is plenty of space for treats, a second compartment for those ‘jackpot’ moments, and your essentials and keys can be tucked inside. The magnetic clasp means you can open and close it with one hand whilst holding your clicker in the other.

Belt sold separately.

Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Training Treat Pouch

*All​ Colours Back in Stock*

The Doggone Good Rapid Rewards Training Pouch is designed for serious dog trainers – but don’t let that put you off! If you are new to dog ownership or training, you will soon find out why trainers recommend this treat pouch time and time again.

Packed with features, hardwearing and washable – you’ll wonder how you ever did without it!

And there are plenty of stunning colours to choose from. Can’t decide? Buy two and get a discount!

Belt sold separately.

Karen Pryor Clickers and Treat Bags

Karen Pryor is a leader in the field of animal training and a recognised world leader in the science and application of marker-based positive reinforcement, or what is often called “clicker training.” She believes passionately in the power of the clicker training approach to enrich the lives of pet owners, animal professionals, and the animals they live with or work with. The Karen Pryor Clicker Training line of products has been specifically created to help promote the tools and techniques of clicker training – the i-Click and Terry Ryan Treat Bag are amongst our most popular items with trainers and owners alike.

 

Clicker Training is not just for Dogs

Clicker Train Your Cat

Karen Pryor Clicker Fun Cards for Cats, Clicker Training for Cats, Terry Ryan Clik Stik

A little training with your cat goes a long way. It will help deepen your relationship, provide mental enrichment, and is a valuable tool for teaching your cat fun new tricks and for helping to manage unwanted behaviours. Most of our clicker training products can be used with horses, cats, rats, birds, or bats!

Clicker Training is for all species

Give yourself a “CLICK” for choosing Pawsitive Training!

The Trick is in the Click

Teardrop clickers

SPECIAL EDITION Teardrop Clickers

They’ll be no tears with these clickers!

What is a clicker?

A clicker is a small, plastic, (usually) hand-held noisemaker.

What do you use a clicker for in dog training?

You use a clicker as a marker. It marks the exact moment that your pet did what you wanted them to do.

Clicker Training your dog

Clicker Training your dog – total focus

What happens after the click?

You give a treat – always, no questions asked. Even if you clicked at the wrong moment.

How does it work?

Clicker training is a reward-based (positive) training method, so your pets generally love it. In the early stages, they associate the click with a treat. Once this concept is learned, every time you click, they know a treat will be forthcoming, so they work hard to achieve that “click”.

Do I have to carry a clicker forever?

No. Once the lessons are learned, you can put the clicker away until you want to teach the next trick.

It’s as simple as that.

And it really is quicker with a clicker!

Types of Dog Training Clickers

A few of the varieties available – Teardrop Clicker, Box Clicker, i-Click, Clik-R

Clickers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and volumes. The box clickers tend to be louder, and the button clickers quieter. Remember, your pets have amazing hearing, so they don’t necessarily need loud.

For the first-time clicker trainer, buttons are usually best as it is much easier to locate the clicking part. They can also be used with your foot.

Special Edition Teardrop Clickers

SPECIAL EDITION Teardrop Clickers

We happen to love these teardrop clickers. They are lightweight, fit nicely in the hand, have a good substantial click, and the button is easy to locate without being too prominent. So, we have created two fun SPECIAL EDITION varieties with pawsitive training messages!

  • Orange Teardrop Clicker – Trick & Click & Treat
  • Blue Teardrop Clicker – It’s Quicker with a Clicker

There is a small hole near the edge for fitting your favourite attachment to ensure that your clicker is always close at hand.

They make lovely gifts for your dog training pals!

Approx measurements: 6 x 4 x 2cm

Halloween Special Edition Bundle

Halloween SPECIAL EDITION Bundle

Our Halloween SPECIAL EDITION Bundle is available for a limited time only and includes the Doggone Good Rapid Reward Treat Pouch in Orange, Black Webbing Belt, SPECIAL EDITION Orange Teardrop Clicker, and Black Wrist Coil. Save over 10% on individual prices!

 

Imprinted Personalised Clickers

Click Start your Business

Imprinted Clickers

Imprinted Clickers

For the Pet Pro

The first time we had clickers printed with our logo, it was a considerable investment for us. We were just starting up, and 250 was the minimum quantity available. We had to think long and hard about it, and it was quite a while before we felt able to take the plunge.

Since then, we have often been contacted by dog trainers and pet professionals who love the idea of promoting their business with imprinted clickers, but who are (just as we were) unsure about ordering such a high number. Thankfully, now they don’t have to!

An achievable minimum order quantity

Imprinted Button Clickers

Minimum order quantity 32

For pet businesses that would like to test the water, smaller batches can be a much more attractive proposition, and we can supply as few as 32 clickers! Perfect if you’re not sure how many you might need, or if you are getting back on your ‘training feet’ after COVID. Could now be just the right time to get personalised?

Supply us with your design or ideas

Imprinted Teardrop Clickers

Logo, text or both – it’s up to you

The process is quite simple, and we help you all the way. Just supply us with your logo (if applicable) or contact details that you would like to see imprinted. You then choose the type of clicker, whether you want single colour or full colour, and finally, the number of clickers required – the great news is the minimum quantity is just 32 – and we will do the rest!

We will take your logo or your details and produce a proof for you. All you have to do is approve it or make changes until you are happy with it, and then we turn your chosen design into a  stunning clicker, showcasing your business.

Put your name on everyone’s clicks

Imprinted Box Clickers

Your design bought to life

Your clients will always know how to get hold of you and let’s face it, most trainers get recommendations by word of mouth, so they can easily pass your details onto friends, relatives or someone they met in the local dog park!

Imprinted Treat Bags for Trainers and Clubs

We also supply imprinted Treat Bags for Pet Professionals. Minimum order five treat bags.

Imprinted Treat Bags for Pet Professionals

Imprinted Treat Bags for Pet Professionals

Read our testimonials

Personalised imprinted clickers

You choose – we print

But don’t just take our word for it – have a look at what our happy customers say:

“I was thrilled to find out that Training Lines can supply such small quantities for such a good price.  Ordering was easy, my clients love them and it’s great to be able to give them out to new customers and help to encourage positive dog training methods.  Great customer service too!”
Rachel Rodgers, PupStart

“The clickers have arrived and they are brilliant thank you so much!” 
Kimberley Grundy, Pooches Galore

“In a last-minute rush to get ready for an event, I reached out to Neil at Training Lines in the hope that he could supply me with Rebel Dog co branded clickers at super-short notice. I didn’t hold out much hope. Delighted to say that Neil proved me wrong. The service, communication and problem-solving I have been treated to whenever I have called upon Training Lines has been an utter breath of fresh air. Even at first contact I was made to feel like a valued customer – it must take a great deal of passion and dedication to get customer service this right.” 
Ross Andrews, Rebel Dog co

Click Here to get started.

Sophie

Embrace the Curfew

Five German Shepherds

Left to right: Fin, Amy, Sophie, Blitz and Molly

Out of Control

Back in 2002, we were the confused owners of five German Shepherds. Their behaviour was appalling and we were losing control. Every morning we would take them to the nearby army ranges for their morning walk. We found ourselves going earlier and earlier in the hope that we wouldn’t meet other dog walkers because if we did, it would turn into utter chaos.

We realised we needed to do something about the situation and we consulted dog behaviour expert, Angela Stockdale of The Dog Partnership. Her advice was ‘they need a curfew‘. We were even more confused if we didn’t take them out, how would they get the exercise they needed? They would become even worse, surely.

We decided to put our scepticism aside and follow her advice. For three months we didn’t take them out for walks. Their stress levels that had been escalating day on day during the walk, began to come down.

Life without walkies

But you can’t just stop walking your dog and leave it at that. The morning walk had to be replaced with some other activity. For us it was clicker training and to say it was a life-saver is not an exaggeration.  We scheduled short five-minute sessions several times a day, individually for each dog. It enabled us to get to know each one of them far better, learn their strengths and weaknesses, what motivated them and what bored them.

In no time at all, they weren’t rushing to the front door at 5 am, barking and waking the whole neighbourhood. They were more relaxed. When it came to training sessions, we did various different things with each of them. We had a lot of glass doors and when one was doing their training session, the others would watch.

Dogs Dancing

Molly (left) does the tango with Fin

Molly, who was a timid girl, learned to dance and her confidence grew. Fin, who was our newest rescue, learned some manners and how to behave around ladies!

Dog Skateboarding

Amy on her skateboard

Amy who was frankly a bit of a thug diverted her attention to skateboarding.

KONG Time

Amy (left) and Sophie at the top of the stairs

Sophie was a master of the KONG. She would empty it of every last crumb by taking it to the top of the stairs and dropping it down.

Jolly Ball

Blitz with his beloved Jolly Ball

Blitz, our first rescue boy who was a real gentleman, loved the Jolly Ball and would spend ages playing with it on his own. Both him and Fin mastered the peek-a-boo trick (see our What Makes You Click Training Cards for this trick) and many others.

Did it work?

So, what was the result of our three-month curfew? We had calmer, better-behaved dogs that we knew as individuals. They could entertain us and show off their tricks which they really enjoyed. Who doesn’t enjoy praise for a job done well? It was time well spent and we were able to gradually reintroduce them to the outside world.

What you can do right now

Why not give clicker training a try? We have Clicker Training Cards, that come complete with clicker and treats, or download our What Makes You Click? cards absolutely free and get started right away.

Clicker Cue Cards

What Makes You Click Training Cards

You will need lots of tasty Training Treats which we have in abundance, or why not make your own. Most people have a tin of tuna, flour and eggs in the house. This recipe will get you up and running in no time: Tillies Tuna Cake Recipe.

Tuna Dog Treats

Tillies Tuna Cake Recipe

Snuffle Mats are becoming an increasingly popular game for dogs and cats. If you fancy a challenge how about making your own Snuffle Mat to keep them entertained when you’re flagging. An old doormat and some t-shirts should suffice to complete this excellent tutorial from the Dogs Trust.

Make your own Snuffle Mat

Make your own Snuffle Mat

Learn to love the curfew

Your dogs may not be badly-behaved and in need of a curfew, but it has been forced on us all and we have an opportunity to really make the best of it by embracing it and spending quality time with our furry friends. You never know, both dog and owner could learn something new.

Clicker Choices

 

What to look for when selecting your training clicker.

If you are new to clicker training or even if you’re an accomplished trainer, the wide range of clickers now available can be confusing. They come in all shapes and sizes, have different sounds and there are a variety of different attachments that can be used with them.

How do you choose which one is right for you?  Every individual is different and has unique requirements so we explain here the pros and cons of the most popular varieties.

Clicker

Volume

Extras

Tab

Use with
Gloves

Ease of Use

Guide

Box

5

Yes

Not easily

Medium

No

i-Click

3

Yes

Yes

Easy

No

QT Clicker

2

Yes

Yes

Easy

No

Quick click

4

Yes

Yes

Easy

Yes

Dogsline Push Button Clicker

2

FL

Yes

Yes but not loop

Easy

No

Dogsline Button Clicker

3/2

Yes

Yes

Easy

No

Dog Activity Soft Clicker

1

WC

Yes

Yes

Easy

Yes

Clix Multi Clicker

3/5

Lan

Yes

Yes

Easy

Yes

Clik R

4

FL

Yes

Yes

Easy

Yes

Dog Activity Finger Clicker

2

FL

No

Yes but not loop

Easy

Yes

Mikki Clikka

5

FL/

Lan

Yes

Yes but not loop

Easy

Whizz Click

4

WS

No

Yes

Medium

Yes

Duo Click

Click 2

Chime 3

FL/

Lan

Yes

Yes

Medium

Yes

Key: FL – Finger Loop; Lan – Lanyard; WC – Wrist Coil, WS – Wrist Strap

Please note:  Clicker volume can be subjective and will differ slightly between clickers of the same type.  Please use as a guide only.

Before you choose, you may want to consider a few things: where you will be using the clicker, will you be wearing gloves, whether or not your dog is sensitive to sound.  If this is your first clicker you may also require some basic instructions.

Box Clicker

Shaped like a small rectangular box with a metal tongue.  This is probably what some may call the original clicker.  You hold it in your hand and depress the metal plate with your thumb.  It gives a lovely, clear and loud click which is its big plus point.  However, there are some minuses.  It’s not very ergonomic, so doesn’t fit in your hand comfortably, only one end of the metal plate moves so you have to ensure you are holding it correctly as it’s very easy to miss that perfect moment.  Excellent for use outdoors or in a noisy environment, it comes in a wide range of colours and usually has a small tab on the end so you can attach it to a wrist coil or lanyard.

i-Click

Developed by perhaps the best known clicker trainer, Karen Pryor, this clicker is the perfect shape to fit into your hand and instead of a metal plate it has a raised button.  This button is easy to locate without having to look and it minimises the chances of you missing the click.  It can be used with a variety of attachments.  The click, although clear is not quite as loud as the box clicker.

You could also use this clicker with your foot, if you put it on the floor and press down gently.

QT Clicker

Very similar in shape to the i-click, although slightly quieter.  However, for those of you who are fashion conscious they come in pastel or neon colours.  Push button action and an ergonomic shape, complete with tab for attachments.

Quick Click

The quick click is another clicker with a button, however, the click is louder and crisper than the i-Click, but not quite as loud as the box clicker.  It is a tear-drop shape and fits comfortably into the hand.  Again, attachments can be used with this clicker.

 

Dogsline Push Button Clicker

Very similar in shape and design to the Quick Click having an ergonomic shape with a in-built button which is not prominent and therefore less likely to be pressed by accident.  It has a softer click but it does have an extra feature which can be extremely useful, a finger loop.  This ensures that the clicker is always to hand and ready for action.

The Dogsline Button Clicker

This clicker comes in two slightly different tones, you can choose from a muted or crisp click.  The button itself is prominent and easy to find and press, and the clicker shape is comfortable to hold with a tab for use with the attachment of your choice.

Dog Activity Soft Clicker

An ergonomically designed push button clicker, with wrist coil and detachable strap.  It has a more muted sound than all of the other clickers, but is still perfectly audible to your dog and may be more suitable for sound sensitive animals.  Probably best used in a quieter environment.

 

Clix Multi-clicker

This is the only clicker that actually has a volume control so it can be matched to your dog’s sound sensitivity.  It has a large raised button on a metal tongue which makes operation easy and underneath there is a sliding switch to change the volume.  Comes with a wrist strap.

Clik-R

This clicker was created by Terry Ryan.  It is quite large but ergonomically shaped for a comfortable fit in your hand. The button is prominent for ease of use and it also has a stretchy finger strap on the back.  Other attachments can be used if required

Dog Activity Finger Clicker

This small clicker is again, ergonomically shaped, and comes with a soft plastic loop on the back to slip on your finger.  This loop is not stretchy and would be difficult to fit over gloves.  There is no tab on this clicker for alternative attachments.

Mikki Clikka

This slightly larger clicker has a big easy to use click button and a stretchy finger band, it also comes complete with a neck lanyard and training guide written by professional behaviourist Claire Arrowsmith.  It feels robust and has a good loud click.

 

WhizzClick

The WhizzClick is unique in that is combines both a clicker and whistle in one device.  It has a flat plastic button which can only be depressed at one end, so, rather like the box clicker, you have to ensure it is the correct way round before clicking.  With the built in whistle it does offer additional training options.  Comes complete with a wrist attachment and training guide.  Developed by Stephen King.

CLIK-R Duo Dog Training Clicker

Developed by Peter Neville, this is the most expensive clicker available at this time.  It is digital rather than mechanical and is capable of making dual sounds so that you can train more than one pet.  The sounds available are either a traditional click or a triple chime. Its ergonmic shape sits well in the hand and both its raised buttons are different so, with practice, you should be able to tell them apart by touch.  It comes with a stretchy finger loop, lanyard and full instructions.  Requires batteries.