A clicker is a handheld noisemaking device [1] resembling a small plastic box that is used to assist the operator with dog training. A dog clicker has a metal strip or small metal tongue that is used to produce a clicking sound. When introducing clicker training, the click is produced and at the exact moment the dog hears this sound, a treat is delivered. In this way, the dog will learn to associate the clicking sound with the reward [2], ie, the clicker becomes a “conditioned reinforcer”. Clickers help provide a clear signal to the dog about exactly which behavior is desired.
How Does Clicker Training Help?
Clicker training relies on positive reinforcement [3], an element of operant conditioning. Unlike punishment-based methods, it is an effective method to train your dog that won’t cause distress or affect your bond with your pet [4]. Since a clicker can be used at the exact moment that your dog performs a wanted new behavior, they ensure your dog associates the good behavior with the reward. Put simply, a clicker can bridge the time gap between behavior and reward. They therefore help ensure your dog understands exactly which action was the desired behavior [5].
How to Use a Dog Training Clicker on Your Rottweiler?
Using a dog clicker to train your Rottie is relatively simple. First, you’ll want to “pair” the clicker with a reward so that your dog understands that the noise of the dog clicker indicates good things to come in the very near future! That’s where the positive reinforcement aspect comes in. Once this has been established, you are ready to begin clicker training sessions, ideally one short 5-10 minute clicker training session 5-7 times weekly for the greatest effect [6].
Clicker train your dog as follows: provide a verbal command or hand signal to instruct your Rottie to perform the desired task, for example, sit or paw. Be sure to start simple! When your Rottweiler performs the new behavior or a close enough approximation, immediately click and then provide a tasty treat. In this way, your dog learns to associate your verbal or physical command with the desired action.
Tips for Successful Clicker Training for Your Rottweiler
Clicker trainers are a very useful tool and are typically successful when used correctly. Start clicker training when your Rottie is 8 weeks old. Keep training sessions short, and remember to start simple! Clicker train easy commands first: “sit” and “stay” are a great place to begin.
A common mistake that dog owners make during dog clicker training is selecting a location that is suboptimal, for example, where other dogs and people are walking past. In a distracting and busy environment you will rapidly lose your dog’s attention and the whole training process will become infinitely more arduous. Instead, select a quiet room or a location free from foot traffic to clicker train your Rottie for optimal results.
How Do You Discipline a Rottweiler Puppy?
The myth that training dogs requires discipline is at best untrue, and at worst believing this myth may prove harmful to the mental health of your Rottie pup. Many studies have shown that the most effective dog training method is positive reinforcement, coupled with not inadvertently reinforcing undesirable behaviors! Paying attention and being quick to reward good behaviors, as well as being consistent with making sure unwanted actions aren’t accidentally reinforced with attention, will produce the best results.
Are Rottweilers Difficult to Train?
The truth is that all individual dogs learn at different paces, and Rotties are no exception. However, as a broad generalization, the Rottweiler breed is more trainable than most dogs. This is largely due to the breed’s innate intelligence and background as working dogs. With an intellect almost as powerful as its physique, there are certainly much worse dogs to train!
How Do You Command a Rottweiler?
Ensure your dog learns basic commands that will help ensure his or her safety first. These commands include “stay”, “heel” and “leave it”, and in a pinch they can be the difference between narrowly avoiding disaster when out and about with a curious and adventurous Rottweiler puppy, and disaster actually striking!
You can teach your dog using clicker training of course, but there are other options, too. Use a hand signal to express to your Rottie that you need him or her to stay or to wait, for example. The old classic of simple treat training works well for Rottweilers too, as members of this breed do tend to be foodies!
What Not to Do with a Rottweiler?
As mentioned earlier, you really don’t want to be relying on discipline as a method to train your dog. Make this mistake and sooner or later, you will find that your dog responds with fear, a lack of trust in you, and potentially even aggression, which of course can be very dangerous when coming from a Rottweiler!
Instead, you should focus on more positive and science-backed training modalities that involve providing a reward such as attention, playtime, or treats to teach your dog a desired action. By the way, this doesn’t just apply to new tricks: a desired action can also mean being calm and quiet, chewing toys rather than furniture, or even ignoring other dogs on a walk.
How Do You Train an Aggressive Rottweiler?
Training dogs that exhibit aggression is an undertaking that should only be attempted by experienced and competent individuals who truly know what they are doing. If in doubt, you should absolutely consult with your veterinarian, or with an accredited animal behaviorist. Training your dog should always make use of positive reinforcers, and never punishment. This is especially true where aggressive animals are concerned. Above all, stay safe.
Clicker Training Can Work for Your Rottweiler
In conclusion, start early, short sessions and simple commands for successful clicker training for your Rottweiler. Though individual in pace, Rottweilers are generally trainable due to their intelligence. Prioritize safety with basic commands, and explore various training methods beyond clickers. Above all, avoid punitive measures, especially with potentially aggressive behaviors. Consult professionals for guidance, ensuring a positive and safe training journey for both you and your Rottweiler.
Read here for information on the best dry food for your Rottweiler you can use as treats during your training session.
Read here to compare the difference between wet dog food vs dry dog food.
References
- Gilchrist, R.J., Gunter, L.M., Anderson, S.F. and Wynne, C.D.L. (2021) ‘The click is not the trick: the efficacy of clickers and other reinforcement methods in training naïve dogs to perform new tasks‘, Peer J Life & Environment’.
- Gibeault, S. (2023) ‘Clicker Training: Mark & Reward Dog Training Using Clickers‘, American Kennel Club.
- My Pet & I (2024) ‘A guide to clicker training your dog‘.
- Volsung Rottweilers (2004) ‘Training‘, Dogsey.
- Positively Victoria Stilwell (2024) ‘Clicker Training‘.
- Meyer, I. and Ladewig, J. (2008) ‘The relationship between number of training sessions per week and learning in dogs‘, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 111(3-4), pp. 311-320.
