If you are looking for a way to train your dog effectively and positively, you might want to consider using a clicker. A clicker is a device that makes a clicking sound when you press a button. The clicker is used to mark your dog’s desired behaviors and reward them with a treat, toy, or praise. This way, you can communicate with your dog clearly and precisely, and reinforce their learning.
Clicker training is based on the scientific principle of operant conditioning, which states that behaviors that are followed by positive consequences are more likely to be repeated, while behaviors that are followed by negative consequences are less likely to be repeated. By using a clicker, you can provide your dog with immediate and consistent feedback, which helps them associate the click with the positive outcome.
Clicker training can be used to teach your dog anything, from basic commands to complex tricks. It can also help you solve behavior problems, such as jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash. Clicker training is fun, easy, and effective for both you and your dog.
However, not all clickers are created equal. Some are more suitable for certain types of dogs, situations, and training goals than others. Some are also more durable, comfortable, and practical than others. Therefore, it is important to do your research and choose the best clicker for your needs.
In this blog post, we will review 10 of the best clickers on the market, based on their features, performance, customer reviews, and expert opinions. We will also provide some tips on how to use them safely and effectively. Here are the 10 best clickers we recommend:
1. StarMark Pro Training Clicker (Best Overall)
The clicker comes with a step-by-step training guide that teaches you how to use the clicker to train your dog in various skills and behaviors. It also comes with a free online video lesson that demonstrates how to use the clicker in action. The guide and the video are written and produced by professional dog trainers who have years of experience in clicker training.
The StarMark Clicker is durable and reliable, as it can withstand drops and bites from your dog. It also has a hole that allows you to attach it to a lanyard or a keychain for easy access and storage. It also comes in various colors to suit your preference.
The StarMark Clicker is our best overall choice because it is affordable and allows you to train your dog with ease and convenience, without compromising on quality or effectiveness. It also has a comprehensive and user-friendly training system that makes it suitable for beginners and experts alike.
You can buy the StarMark Clicker Dog Training System from Amazon.
2. Karen Pryor i-Click Clicker (Best for Sensitive Dogs)
The Karen Pryor i-Click Clicker has a unique design that consists of a round plastic disc with a button that produces a soft clicking sound when pressed. It also has an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. It also has a loop that allows you to attach it to a wrist strap or a keychain for easy access and storage.
The Karen Pryor i-Click Clicker is durable and reliable, as it can withstand drops and bites from your dog. It also has a low-pressure button that requires minimal effort to press, making it easy for arthritic hands or mobility-impaired users. It also comes in various colors to suit your preference.
The Karen Pryor i-Click Clicker is our best choice for sensitive dogs because it allows you to train your dog with gentle and precise feedback, without causing them any harm or stress. It also has a simple and elegant design that makes it comfortable and practical for everyday use.
You can buy the Karen Pryor i-Click Clicker from Amazon.
3. PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker (Best with Training Guide)
The PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker has a classic design that consists of a plastic box with a metal tongue that produces a clear and sharp clicking sound when pressed. It also has an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand. It also has a finger strap that allows you to hold it securely and easily.
The PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker is durable and reliable, as it can withstand drops and bites from your dog. It also has a hole that allows you to attach it to a lanyard or a keychain for easy access and storage. It also comes in various colors to suit your preference.
The PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker is our best choice with a training guide because it allows you to train your dog with ease and convenience, without compromising on quality or effectiveness. It also has a comprehensive and user-friendly training guide that makes it suitable for beginners and experts alike.
You can buy the PetSafe Clik-R Dog Training Clicker from Amazon.
4. EcoCity Dog Training Clickers (Best Budget)
The EcoCity Dog Training Clickers have an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. They also have a loop that allows you to attach them to a wrist strap or a keychain for easy access and storage. They also come in various colors to suit your preference.
The EcoCity Dog Training Clickers are durable and reliable, as they can withstand drops and bites from your dog. They also have a big button that is easy to find and press, making them convenient and fast to use. They also come with a free training guide that teaches you how to use the clickers to train your dog in various skills and behaviors.
The EcoCity Dog Training Clickers are our best budget choice because they allow you to train your dog with ease and convenience, without breaking the bank. They also have a simple and elegant design that makes them comfortable and practical for everyday use.
You can buy the EcoCity Dog Training Clickers from Amazon.
5. Company of Animals Multi-Clicker (Best Adjustable-Tone Option)
The Company of Animals Multi-Clicker has a unique design that consists of a plastic box with a metal tongue that produces a clicking sound when pressed. It also has a volume dial that allows you to change the sound level easily. It also has an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand.
The Company of Animals Multi-Clicker is durable and reliable, as it can withstand drops and bites from your dog. It also has an elasticated wrist strap that allows you to hold it securely and easily. It also comes with a free training guide that teaches you how to use the clicker to train your dog in various skills and behaviors.
The Company of Animals Multi-Clicker is our best adjustable-tone option because it allows you to train your dog with customized and precise feedback, without causing them any harm or stress. It also has a versatile and functional design that makes it suitable for any situation.
You can buy the Company of Animals Multi-Clicker from Amazon.
6. Wonder Creature Dog Treat Pouch with Dog Clicker (Best with Treat Pouch)
The treat pouch is a useful accessory that complements the clicker training method, as it helps you reinforce your dog’s behavior with rewards.
The Wonder Creature Dog Treat Pouch with Dog Clicker has a simple but effective design that consists of a plastic box with a metal tongue that produces a clear and sharp clicking sound when pressed. It also has an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably in your hand or pocket. It also has a loop that allows you to attach it to a wrist strap or a keychain for easy access and storage.
The Wonder Creature Dog Treat Pouch with Dog Clicker comes with a spacious and durable treat pouch that can hold up to 2 cups of treats or kibble. It also has multiple pockets and compartments that can hold your phone, keys, wallet, cards, poop bags, toys, or other essentials. It also has two ways to wear it: a removable adjustable waistband that fits up to 48 inches, and a removable shoulder strap that can be worn cross-body or over the shoulder.
The Wonder Creature Dog Treat Pouch with Dog Clicker is made of high-quality and water-resistant fabric that can withstand any weather condition. It also has a waterproof lining that keeps the treats fresh and dry, and can be easily wiped clean. It also comes in various colors and patterns to suit your style.
The Wonder Creature Dog Treat Pouch with Dog Clicker is our best choice with a treat pouch because it allows you to train your dog with ease and convenience, without compromising on quality or effectiveness. It also has a comprehensive and user-friendly training system that makes it suitable for beginners and experts alike.
You can buy the Wonder Creature Dog Treat Pouch with Dog Clicker from Amazon.
7. Coolrunner Universal Dog Training Clicker (Best Ring Clicker)
The Coolrunner Universal Dog Training Clicker has a unique design that consists of a plastic ring with a button that produces a clear and sharp clicking sound when pressed. It also has an ergonomic shape that fits comfortably on your finger. It also has a loop that allows you to attach it to a wrist strap or a keychain for easy access and storage.
The Coolrunner Universal Dog Training Clicker is durable and reliable, as it can withstand drops and bites from your dog. It also has a big button that is easy to find and press, making it convenient and fast to use. It also comes in various colors to suit your preference.
The Coolrunner Universal Dog Training Clicker is our best ring clicker choice because it allows you to train your dog with ease and convenience, without compromising on quality or effectiveness. It also has a versatile and functional design that makes it suitable for any situation.
You can buy the Coolrunner Universal Dog Training Clicker from Amazon.
How to Use Clickers Safely and Effectively
Clickers can be a useful tool to train your dog effectively and positively, but they also come with some risks and responsibilities. Here are some tips on how to use them safely and effectively:
- Choose the right type, size, and mode of sound for your clicker, based on your dog’s size, breed, personality, sensitivity, and training needs. Avoid using clickers that are too loud, too quiet, too big, too small, or too harsh for your dog.
- Choose the right type, size, and quality of treats for your clicker training, based on your dog’s dietary needs, preferences, and allergies. Avoid using treats that are too hard, too soft, too big, too small, or too smelly for your dog.
- Charge the clicker before using it for training, by clicking and rewarding your dog several times until they associate the click with the treat. Avoid using the clicker without rewarding your dog, as this can weaken or break the association.
- Use the clicker as a marker for positive behaviors, not as a cue or a command. Avoid using the clicker to get your dog’s attention or to make them do something.
- Use the clicker sparingly and briefly, delivering only one click per behavior. Avoid using multiple or prolonged clicks that can confuse or annoy your dog.
- Use the clicker timely and accurately, clicking at the exact moment that your dog performs the desired behavior. Avoid clicking too early or too late that can mislead or frustrate your dog.
- Fade out the clicker gradually once your dog has learned the behavior, by clicking less frequently or randomly. Avoid using the clicker forever or stopping abruptly that can cause regression or extinction.
- Monitor your dog’s reaction and behavior when using the clicker, and adjust the frequency and amount of rewards accordingly. If your dog shows signs of boredom, frustration, fear, aggression, or addiction, stop using the clicker and seek professional help.
Clickers can be a helpful tool to train your dog effectively and positively, as long as you use them correctly and responsibly. They can help you communicate with your dog clearly and precisely, and reinforce their learning. Clickers take time for both humans and dogs to learn, so be persistent and your clicker training will pay off in the long-run!