Clicker training

The term "clicker" comes from a small metal cricket noisemaker adapted from a child's toy that the trainer uses to precisely mark the desired behavior.

[2] Sometimes, instead of a click to mark the desired behavior, other distinctive sounds are made (such as a "whistle, a click of the tongue, a snap of the fingers, or even a word")[3] or visual or other sensory cues (such as a flashlight, hand sign, or vibrating collar),[4] especially helpful for deaf animals.

"[9] The Brelands coined the term "bridging stimulus" in the 1940s to refer to the function of a secondary reinforcer such as a whistle or click.

[14] In 1992, animal trainers Karen Pryor and Gary Wilkes started giving clicker training seminars to dog owners.

[18] In the 21st century, training books began to appear for other companion animals, such as cats, birds, and rabbits (See "Further Reading").

The basis of effective clicker training is precise timing to deliver the conditioned reinforcer at the same moment as the desired behaviour is offered.

[21] Clicker training teaches wanted behaviors by rewarding them when they happen, and not using punishments, according to dog trainer Jonathan Philip Klein.

Extinction [i.e. ignoring a behavior and not providing a reward] and negative punishment are both used by clicker trainers, and BOTH are aversive.

Some use mild physical punishers like sprays of water or citronella or noise-related booby traps; some don't.