All dogs deserve great trainers. Every Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) is a graduate of our Dog Trainer Professional program and has demonstrated excellent technical knowledge and hands-on skills in positive teaching and training. A KPA CTP is a trainer you and your pets can count on. Selecting a KPA CTP from our Find-a-Trainer search means that your trainer:
"Clicker training" is a modern animal training method based on behavioral psychology that relies on marking desirable behavior and rewarding it.
Desirable behavior is usually marked by using a "clicker," a mechanical device that makes a short, distinct "click" sound which tells the animal exactly when they're doing the right thing. This clear form of communication, combined with positive reinforcement, is an effective, safe, and humane way to teach any animal any behavior that it is physically and mentally capable of doing.
No. The clicker is a training tool used when teaching an animal a new behaviour. We also use it to strengthen behaviours. Once the animal knows the behaviour, and can perform the behaviour on “cue” in a wide variety of places and situations, you no longer need to use the clicker for that specific behaviour.
Get third-party advice from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (How to Choose a Dog Trainer article http://avsabonline.org/uploads/main/How_to_Choose_a_Trainer_%28AVSAB%29.pdf)
At Smart Paws, we use positive reinforcement training techniques to teach you and your dog the skills needed for a happy, co-operative life together.