Canine Clicker Training Controversy - Does it Really Work?
There are many people who don't "believe" in canine clicker training. Clicker training is just a basic term used to describe a training system based on positive reinforcement. Clicker training relies on reinforcers, which can be anything the dog likes. The reinforcer is presented with correct timing in such a way that specific information can be communicated between the trainer and the dog.
With clicker training, you can literally train your dog without touching or speaking to him. Clicker training can result in behaviors that are just as reliable if not more consistent than the results gained from traditional training methods.
It's not voodoo. It's not magic. It's based on pure science.
If you train dogs for any length of time it's obvious to see that some dogs tolerate the traditional "yank and thank" training method better than others. At best, some dogs seem a bit dazed and confused. At worst, some dogs become fearful, defensive, and violent.
No one dismisses the effectiveness of traditional dog training methods. Of course it works. But, we've also seen what violent husbands can do--both physically and mentally. Do their wives "obey"? Of course they do. So just because something works, doesn't mean it's good.
Some owners brag and say, "Oh see how much my dog wants to please me. He doesn't need to work for treats. My happiness is all the reward he needs."
Sure, dogs like having a happy owner. But is the dog really working to please the owner-or simply to avoid the punishment?
Do you go to work everyday because you like making your boss happy? What if one day you received an email that stated you'd no longer be receiving a paycheck? Would you still go?
Still, it doesn't surprise me that many people, including traditional dog trainers, dismiss the effectiveness of canine clicker training. In fact, 9 out of 10 "professional" clicker trainers are using the techniques incorrectly. Despite their good intentions, these clicker trainers certainly aren't doing the dog (or the science) any favors.
