Clicker is force-free training

TREAT-ABLE:
Haven trainer Robin Ehn uses a clicker to reinforce animal behavior.

To click or not to click is the question, at least when rewarding animal behavior and obedience, one expert believes.

Internationally renowned clicker trainer Karen Pryor will appear June 16 on the ABC television network's Good Morning America news show. Pryor has developed quite a following, said Haven Humane Society dog trainer Robin Ehn, who has been utilizing Pryor's clicker training methods since January.

"Some people think clicker training is new, but it's not," said Ehn, who explained that Pryor is a scientist with an international reputation in marine mammal biology and behavioral psychology. Pryor initially worked with dolphins utilizing the clicker method in the 1960s. In doing so, Pryor helped pioneer modern, force-free animal training methods.

Because of the success of Pryor's clicker method, Ehn became more and more interested in animal behavior and said she is furthering her knowledge in dog training by attending workshops and classes while working at Haven.

Ehn is already a member of the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals.

Her interest in training goes back to childhood. At age 12, she was training dogs professionally. Then, in 1996, Ehn attended a seminar and saw clicker training in action.

"I've never looked back since," she said, adding that she's seen many miraculous training breakthroughs in the following years.

"Clicker training can be used on all species of animals, even people," she said.

Haven's clicker classes offer these same principles and methods that Pryor pioneered years ago.

Ehn and another staff dog trainer, Woody Woodland, not only instruct private and group dog training sessions for the public but also coordinate Haven's Star Volunteer Program. These volunteers are trained in the clicker method to work with behaviorally-challenged shelter dogs, giving them a better chance for adoption.

Haven CEO Dr. Ray John said the Star Volunteer Program is vital to the organization because it gives volunteers the training they need to help shelter dogs become more adoptable.

"These volunteers go through an orientation and training process with our dog trainers then walk dogs on our exercise path at the shelter," John said. "It helps prepare the animals for the public seeking a companion pet."

Later this month and again in August, Haven will present two sessions of Camp Love-A-Pet where children age 10-15 spend two weeks using training to help ready shelter dogs for adoption and general animal care.

"The kids will use the clicker training method on the shelter dogs here at Haven in those camp sessions set for June and August," said Ehn. "They will teach these hard-to-adopt dogs basic obedience commands such as off, sit, down and showcase their accomplishments during graduation exercises at the end of the program."

While Ehn doesn't deny there are alternative training methods that also work in training dogs and other animals. She believes in the force-free aspect, where the clicker and a treat go hand-in-hand.

"Clicker training lets you and your dog have a fun and positive experience together while your dog is learning," said Ehn. "We teach the animal that a 'click' means they've done the right thing."

Ehn said she has been complimented by several pet owners who have been through Haven's clicker classes.

Muriel Ketelsen, who attended classes with her Corgi, Sammy, said, in a note to Ehn and Woodland, "I'm so impressed by the instructors and their knowledge in this method of training and commitment for us to learn and our dogs to succeed. Thanks for the one on one time to help Sammy succeed in spite of me."

Gail Roberson took Tinker, her Fox Terrier to Haven's clicker class and was also impressed with what she and her dog learned, Ehn said.

"Surprisingly, I can not think of anything negative about the class. The class was very helpful and your instructors are a credit to your organization," Roberson told Ehn.

"Clicker training marks correct behavior instead of punishing incorrect behavior." She said. "For instance, in the situation where the dog jumps up on people they greet, instead of yelling, grabbing paws or banishing the dog to the yard, clicker training teaches the dog that the correct behavior is sitting and waiting to be petted."

Referring to Pryor's research findings, Ehn said the clicker method is a clear line of communication between pets and pet owners.

"A click means, 'yes, you did it,'" Ehn said. "Puppies absorb new habits like a sponge, so why not see good habits."

Ehn hasn't limited the clicker training to just her dogs, although she has taught one of her dogs to pull a cart and bow when performing in parades and special events.

Finn, her goat, has been taught to open a mailbox, retrieve the mail and then take a bow for performances given at special functions and events.