Clicker training for gundog puppies

Perhaps one of the most useful roles for the clicker in gundog training,  is in working with puppies

Most new puppy owners are in a huge hurry to start training

Let’s be honest,  they are not going to wait until their dog is five or six months old before beginning training.  And indeed,  why should they.   (What age to start training a gundog puppy)

No pressure

One of the biggest advantages that clicker training has over other methods,  is that it involves no pressure on the dog.

Little puppies can start training and still be puppies.  Because to the dog,  clicker training is just a game.

And it is a game that the dog always wins.  What could be better?

No harm

[wp_ad_camp_1]The other big advantage of clicker training is that it does no harm.  

Your dog won’t be intimidated by your use of the clicker.

He won’t be made nervous. 

And it won’t  ‘put him off’ retrieving or hunting.

Teaching the basics

If you want to teach your three month old puppy to sit,  by all means go ahead.  But consider using a clicker.  That way he won’t be stressed or confused.   He won’t be worrying about what he has done wrong or what he should do next.

He will just enjoy the game.

Teaching a four month old puppy to trot along at your heels,  off the lead, is a breeze with a clicker.  It might take a bit longer than with lead jerks and hustling.   But who cares?

He is four months old,  you have time on your side.

Have fun with clicker training your puppy.  There is time enough for ‘grown up’ methods later.  And who knows.  You might enjoy it so much,  that you don’t want to stop.

You can follow this link:  Clicker Gundog   to find out more about clicker training for gundogs

If you enjoy my articles, you might like my new book: The Happy Puppy Handbook – a definitive guide to early puppy care and training.