The clicker is a learning tool, a signal that identifies for the dog which behaviors will be rewarded. When the dog is performing the behavior on cue and reliably (with 100 percent accuracy), he is ready to be weaned off the clicker and treats. The click and treat always go together. You shouldn't click without treating because the value of the reward marker, the click, will become diluted and less meaningful to the dog.

How to Phase Out Clicking and Treating

One way to begin the weaning process is to have the dog repeat the behavior more than once before you click and treat. This gives the dog the idea that he must continue to perform the behavior until he hears his click. The worst thing you can do when you are weaning your dog off the clicker and treats is to do it cold turkey. Getting rid of rewards and affirmation all at once is too abrupt, and it will result in a frustrated dog.

The key to weaning is going slowly, getting the dog to perform longer versions of the behavior, or successfully performing it in more repetitions. The weaning process may be a good time to start introducing nonfood rewards, such as the opportunity to go greet a guest after sitting, or being released to go play with other dogs after coming when called.

The Last Word on Using Food

Eating is most dogs' greatest joy, a pleasure that you can use to help your dog learn appropriate manners and become a well-behaved member of your family. Regardless of a dog's preference for particular types of food, all dogs need to eat to survive. Whether your dog is food oriented or not, every dog will work for food. You just may need to search a bit to find the right kind. What instructors love about clicker training is that it works for every dog.

Clicker training is successful because the emphasis is on the click, not the treat. Once dogs figure out the game, they love it and will gladly work regardless of how they feel about food. If you have a finicky fellow, try diversifying what you use as the reward and cutting back a little on his daily meal.

For dogs that like to eat, you may have the opposite problem: too many calories. Clicker training uses a lot of food rewards, but that doesn't mean you'll have a fat dog. The size of the rewards should be tiny — ¼ of an inch or less — and can even consist of the dog's meals. If you have a particularly long training session, you can feed less food at the next meal or actually use the meal to train. The length of your sessions should be five to ten minutes maximum, so your dog is not going to be getting a lot of extra treats at one time. If your dog is on a special diet, consult your veterinarian and find out what food treats you can use.

The beauty of clicker training is that it teaches dogs to think. It is a kind, nonviolent way to teach a dog what is expected of her. It is also long lasting and easy, making it fun for the trainer and trainee alike. Enjoy using this method to teach your dog anything your heart desires, starting with some of the coolest tricks around!