Horse clicker training tools - clickers

April 8, 9:07 AMClicker Training ExaminerEve Alexander

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Clickers

Clickers on my belt loops,
and treats in my vest pocket.
 

What exactly is a clicker?
A clicker is a small, handheld device that makes a consistent sound.

How do I hold or carry the clicker?
Personally, I hang two clickers on carabiners from the belt loops of my jeans – one on the left and one on the right so I always can reach a clicker with either hand. A friend of mine wears hers on a springy coil bracelet around her wrist. I have also seen people carry clickers on lanyards around their necks. Some people like retractable key chains. There is also a type of clicker that slips onto your finger. You’ll find what works best for you.

Where can I get a clicker?
Clicker training is very popular with dog trainers and you can get clickers at most pet stores, like PetsMart. The last time I was there the clickers were in a tub at the cash register for 99 cents. A friend of mine recently attended a Highway Patrol safety event where they gave out promotional clickers that said “Click it or ticket”. You can also order them online.

Why can’t I just say ‘good horse’ and give a pat instead of clicking?
The main advantage to a clicker is that you can click in the very instant the horse does what you want. By the time you say ‘good horse’ and pat him, several seconds may have passed and he isn’t sure exactly what he did to deserve your praise. So he will have to keep guessing until he figures it out. Another thing about the clicker is it is consistent. When using your voice, sometimes you might be excited and other times tired or grumpy, and your horse will hear the difference. People often don’t realize they use different words, for example saying ‘good boy’ one day and ‘well done’ the next.

When my horse does something extra special do I click more than once?
No, you want to keep your clicker use consistent. Just one click. You’ll reward your horse’s exceptional effort with a bigger paycheck, in other words – give him a special treat (licorice or peppermint candy) or more of a usual treat (a whole apple, a handful of carrots).

Will I always have to click and treat?
As your horse becomes competent in a particular behavior, let’s say leading, you won’t need to click. However, you should occasionally click and treat even well-engrained behavior to acknowledge when a horse does something exceptionally well and to encourage him to keep up his good behavior. You’ll always be teaching your horse something and will have plenty of opportunity to click and treat the new behaviors.

Have a question? Send it to eve@tricknclick.com.

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