At A Better Way to Board, our curriculum applies research-based positive reinforcement training. We use the added benefit of clicker paired with reward (in our case treats). The techniques are based on the science of animal learning, which says that behaviors that are rewarded are more likely to be repeated in the future. The value of the clicker is that it tells your dog exactly which desirable behavior you’re rewarding. By clicking at the exact moment, you can “mark” the precise skill. So rather than having guessed what you liked, the clicker helps them discover precisely what they did correctly, and they realize they have control over their behavior and their ability to earn rewards.

Dan will teach your pup the commands included in our specifically developed Foundations training program and then will teach you to continue the skills at home in the in-person training session at the end of the program.

Will I alway need to use a clicker?

No. Once they u nderstand the command, there’s usually no need to click, as the animal understands the behavior. You can maintain the behavior by replacing special good treats with occasional and less intensive rewards including a pat or praise. Learned cues and behaviors are also maintained by real-life rewards: for example sitting quietly at the door is rewarded by opening the door so that the dog can have a walk. You then save clicks and treats for the next new thing they want to train.