Getting hooked up with the right clicker dog training tools is really easy. The actual dog training supplies that you’ll be using during your clicker training sessions are quite simple and very affordable. I figured it would be a great idea to write this post to give you an overview on what we typically use and what options might be available to you. You should really consider what you feel most comfortable with and what works best with your dog in order to train effectively. Being at ease with yourself and at one with your dog is crucial in establishing a positive attitude and solid partnership during training. Selecting the appropriate clicker dog training supplies can, in many ways, help you feel good about what you’re doing – especially if you’re a little peculiar about that sort of stuff.
- “Peculiar? What in the…are you talking about?”
There are a lot of articles out there on how to train dogs by wonderful talented people who do exactly that – train dogs. My goal is to help train you to train your dog by reading my articles and hopefully applying some of the things I’ve taught you. Training humans to train dogs requires a different understanding of the complexities that make us who we are.
Some of us will be naturally gifted, almost right at home when we begin training our dog. Others will feel uncomfortable or stiff or even confused by all the little steps – timing and adaptation required during training. The best way to get on track is with practice and by carefully applying each small step. Some people need the setting to be just right. You can curb your natural unfamiliarity and possible discomfort from a psychological standpoint by working with dog training tools that make you feel good about what you’re doing. This is something not every trainer or non-trainer understands but it can be moderately, or in some cases, extremely important to certain individuals.
Think of an athlete that might need specific gear before hitting the playing field or an artist that paints with a special brush. When I’m in trainer mode, I like working with a comfortable blue or black clicker and a quick snap treat bag rather than a neon bag equipped with a zipper. That’s just me. This works for me. Call it Superstitious Behavior!
I’m NOT saying you should shell out for the most expensive dog training supplies and I’m NOT saying that the color of your clicker matters or makes a difference because it really doesn’t. It’s about how you truly feel when you’re kitted and ready to go, whether you’re working indoors or training outdoors. All I’m saying is that you should definitely fashion your dog training tools to match your personality and taste. If you don’t care about any of that, then that’s your taste. Capiche?
I just want you to be 100% comfortable and feeling happy about dog training, especially if this is your very first time with clicker training. Whatever dog training tools work for you and of course, your furry friend, those are the tools you begin with. Nothing like getting started on the right foot and paw!
If you haven’t considered training your dog with a clicker using positive reinforcement, you really need to read my article on Clicker Training for Dogs.
On With Dog Training Tools
Like I said before, acquiring the dog training supplies you’ll need for clicker training is as easy as getting your dog to eat peanut butter. It’s all pretty straightforward, however I will try to give some insight for each point for those of you that are like me and prefer a little more input than the default – “All you need is a Dog, Clicker and Treats!”
Here’s what you need to get started:
- 1. DOG
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You’ll need a subject, a trainee which will obviously be your lovely dog. You can get started with puppies as young as 8 weeks old and with virtually (considering special predispositions & history of course) any dog at any age. Dogs are very happy souls that love to learn and have lots of fun. Once you engage, zero in and get your dog to participate and understand what clicker training is all about, you’ll be quite amazed!
- 2. CLICKER
Your clicker is the event marker, what will become your conditioned secondary reinforcer. This dog training tool will enable you to mark the precise behavior you’re looking to enforce with incredible precision. As I mentioned in my Clicker Training For Dogs article, you can have different types of markers, including your voice or a whistle but for starters, stick to a clicker. Clickers are affordable and work like a charm.
 
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There are quite a few models of clickers out there. The i-Click
We use one (featured in the pic at the very top) that has an adjustable variable clicker sound (soft, medium, loud). We picked it up a few years ago for just under $10. Was it worth the price? Not at all. We keep it on one setting and never think of changing it. Do we regret buying it? Of course NOT. It’s our favorite clicker ever! We love it because we’ve used it so much and it’s quite comfortable but aside from that, no different than a basic clicker. Our clicker doesn’t have any special powers or anything. If I had the choice, I probably wouldn’t buy it again. In fact I would use the $10 to pickup a nice quality simple clicker (i-Click
OK. Next on the list of clicker dog training tools…
- 3. TREATS
The treats are the rewards. Choosing the right treats is very important because they will be reinforcing the behavior! This means, your dog has to find the treat reinforcing (yummy and super tasty) or the occurrence of the behavior just might come to a halt, chiefly during the learning phase. This is why you need to use high value treats, treats that your dog will happily work for. You also want to make sure that the treats are small and easy to gobble up in about a second. You don’t want a treat that takes your dog 10, 3 or even 2 seconds to down or you will be negatively affecting the flow of your training sessions. Remember the smaller the better, as long as it represents high value to your dog and keeps him engaged in your clicker training sessions.
Some examples would be Cheerios (we recommend organic cheerio shaped alternatives or other healthy cereals), hot-dogs (very popular but not our personal favorite for health reasons though Halle might disagree) or cooked chicken breast cut into tiny pieces. Dried liver or chicken divided into micro portions is very often used for training dogs. There’s also a ton of ready made brands of packaged treats (always opt for organic or holistic) available at just about any shop tailored for training. Tiny pieces of cookies, cheese or even carrots also make great dog training treats!
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We’ve tried all of the above and Halle’s ideal treat of choice for clicker training sessions is definitely Paws Gourmet. We love and appreciate that they’re made using human-grade food ingredients with no preservatives, cornmeal or fillers. They’re soft, moist and perfectly proportioned for quick rewards. The Peanut Butter Molasses is pure MONEY for Halle! We also occasionally use dried chicken or dried liver cut into tiny pieces.
That’s basically all you need in terms of treats. I can go on and on talking about treats and treats selection but I’m gonna save it for another post. In some cases you might have to use a toy and/or praise to reinforce a behavior. All this and more will be covered in the “Clicker Training Fundamentals” article I’m working on. You’re new at clicker training. You’re eager to get started. Figure out which treats work best with your dog and you’re good to go. You don’t need to worry too much about alternative positive reinforcers. Trust me, your dog is very likely to work for the right food rewards!
Dog Training Tools – Gimme Some Mo’
So you got your trio of dog training tools in check and still want more?
I don’t blame you. You’re anxious to manage your treats or facilitate the manipulation of the clicker. Take a few minutes to consider the following complimentary clicker dog training tools:
- Wrist Coil or Neck Strap
Very cheap and highly functional. Clip your clicker to yours and keep it close and handy when not in use. What more can I say? Get ‘em
- Treat Bag or Bait Pouch
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I can’t imagine training without one, especially outdoors. There are quite a few models out there. The Karen Pryor Choice Treat Bag is quite nice and has all the perks you might look for. There are so many different ones on the market. Just find one you like and you’ll be fine.
Our favorite one, which we use and always recommend, is the Snap Open Bait Bag – quality build and highly functional. Opens and closes with ease, super easy maintenance. We just love it!
- Targeting Stick
 
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This is an important and useful dog training tool that will help with directing your dog to a certain location or object. You won’t need it for many basic behaviors but it will be essential for others. You can use anything lying around the house, attic or garage that is long enough and versatile enough to perform the task of targeting. If you want to buy one you can opt for a basic Pocket Target Stick
There’s also the innovative Premier Clik Stik
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- Clickerleash
Just stumbled on the Clickerleash
Clicker Training Starter Kits
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If you want to get started and don’t wish to buy the dog training tools individually, you might want to pickup a Clicker Training Starter Kit
Karen Pryor has a nice selection of Clicker Training Starter Kits
That just about does it for this one. I’ve highlighted the key dog training tools and served up anything worth serving, which I hope you find useful in some way. You really don’t need anything else aside from what’s outlined in this post, particularly in the beginning stages of marker training. The tools you use are of course important but not as important as how you apply the principles and techniques of reinforcement training.
One you’ve got your dog training tools and supplies in check make sure you read our post on Clicker Training for Dogs. Or, if you have a good understanding of marker training and want to get started, read our Clicker Training pre-production phase article which talks about introducing your dog to this training method. They’re both jammed with everything you need to get started with your dog training mission!
What tools do you plan on using and if you already train, what have you used? Any additional input is really appreciated, especially on any of the items I mentioned above. Please post your comments, thoughts and suggestions below so we can all benefit from all the goodness – Thanks!
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Great stuff as usual…
You are too kind ;)
Do you use clicker training with your dog?
If so, how’s it going?