Clicker training is a successful and enjoyable method for training your dog because it heavily relies on positive reinforcement. You can train your dog using a clicker to teach them simple commands or challenging tricks. Your dog anticipates getting a treat when they hear the clicker!
Dog-training clickers are simple, small plastic devices. When pressed, the interior metal strip emits a distinct clicking sound. Clickers are affordable and can be bought locally, online, or at pet stores.
One of the simplest methods for teaching your dog commands and tricks is through dog clicker training. It offers a reliable, audible reaction to your dog’s good behavior. Dog clicker training involves rewarding your dog when he or she successfully complies with a command or performs a trick. You click the dog clicker and then reward your dog with a treat. The dog gradually comes to associate the dog clicker with positive reinforcement and obeying commands.
Good2Go Soft ClickSoftest Dog Clicker
Over 11 different dog training clickers were tested and reviewed in our quest to find the best.
I begin by demonstrating the ideal dog training clicker for most trainers. From there, I describe the loudest and quietest dog clickers.
This clicker is fantastic because it’s always within easy reach. The elastic strap that holds it in place is located on the back and stretches over your fingers.
I wholeheartedly advise upgrading to a clicker with a finger loop if you haven’t already. In my opinion, there is no going back.
I was able to simultaneously click this clicker, hold Harper’s leash, and give her treats. It’s like having a third hand!.
I was a little concerned about the thickness at first. It’s the thickest clicker I tested. But even the thumb of my tiny lady hands could reach the button without any difficulty. I’m happy to say that the Clik-R also worked well in my husband’s large, meaty paws.
The click is loud, crisp and distinct. The first few times Harper heard it, she winced, but she soon grew accustomed to it.
This clicker is the loudest one you can get if you want one. Skip this if your dog is sensitive to noises or is afraid of them because it booms more than other clickers do.
Interestingly, this is the old style of clicker. When I first learned about clicker training years ago, this was pretty much the only model that was available. It was interesting to notice that even though newer clicker designs are cozier and easier to hold, the original is still louder.
You insert your finger inside the box and bend a small piece of metal there in place of a button. The metal pops back up, making a loud click noise. It may sound tinny, but it sure is loud.
I noticed that holding the square shape got uncomfortable over time. My palm’s flesh was pierced by the sharp edges of the plastic. The only time this was truly an issue was during extended training sessions.
The loud click is just what you want if your dog is hard of hearing or is far away. However, I can’t suggest it as a daily clicker due to its boxy design.
Roxy is a Yorkshire Terrier who is incredibly noise-sensitive. Sudden noises startle her delicate Yorkie ears. It was expected that even when she knew a treat was coming, the majority of the clickers I tested caused her to flinch.
The Soft Clicker was the exception. The softer click was given off, and she responded well to it. Admittedly, it took a few clicks for her to get used to it, but this is true for any dog that is first introduced to a clicker.
The Soft Clicker was 4 times softer than the next quietest clicker, according to our noise meter measurements.
Despite the softer sound, our dogs quickly recognized the click when we were training them. The tone may be less sharp, but it’s distinct. However, you might prefer something a little louder if you are distance training in a busy area or open field.
The Soft Clicker has my approval in terms of both design and functionality. I could easily press this clicker all day long because it has a similar finger strap to my top pick, which keeps it within easy reach of my thumb at all times.
An all-around great clicker for noise-sensitive dogs. If your dog gets scared by loud, harsh clicks, take a look at this!
The dog clickers that didn’t make the cut
Let’s face it, clickers are a fairly simple device. Actually, any clicker you purchase will work. After all, each one makes a clicking sound.
With that said, not every clicker can be a winner. The following clickers were inferior to our top picks in one way or another.
Based on our testing, the above recommendations get everything right. In contrast, there is little justification for selecting a runner-up.
EcoCity’s Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap would be our go-to pick for anyone looking to buy cheap clickers in bulk. Don’t be fooled by the price, these clickers are great. They are near identical to the StarMark Pro-Training Clicker Deluxe but without the flaws. The Elastic Strap can clip to a belt loop or to the clicker to make a wrist strap. The click is loud and sharp. If you want a clicker with a wristband, then this should be your go-to choice. Available in a 4-pack, they offer incredible value for your money. My only complaint is that the button presses with minimal pressure, which can lead to accidental activation.
Karen Pryor is arguably the mother of clicker training. She helped bring clicker training mainstream back in the 90s. Unsurprisingly, she has her own line of dog clickers. While she still sells the traditional box clicker, the i-Click dog training clicker is by far the favorite. As you would expect, these clickers get a lot of things right. They are easy-to-use, have a loud, crisp sound and the large, raised button makes it more difficult to accidentally press. However, the drawback to the button was that if you don’t press the center, and instead press the edge, it sticks and doesn’t make a clicking sound. Another downside is that there are no attachments included. The lanyard loop found on the end of each clicker could also connect to a key chain or wrist band, but you’ll have to buy these separately. With all that said, Karen Pryor has created a strong contender.
Next, the StarMark Pro-Training Clicker was the big letdown – the button sticks. Not every time. But often enough that it prevented consistently marking the training with a click. And when it comes to training, consistency is key! This same flaw was found on all three clickers. It’s a shame because otherwise there is a lot to love. The clicker feels good to hold, and the button is within easy reach. Fortunately, many competitors have a similar design, such as EcoCity, which don’t have the same flaw.
The StarMark Pro-Training Clicker Deluxe is essentially the same clicker only more expensive. What makes it deluxe is a change in color (black and yellow) and the inclusion of a coiled wrist band, a feature that comes standard on many of the other clickers we tested. Besides these minor differences, it has the same flaws as the base model – the button on the clicker constantly gets stuck.
The Good2Go Dog Training Clicker offers a wristband, keychain clip and lanyard that can be connected to a carabiner. And, that was the most exciting part about this clicker. Like their other clicker, which we preferred, the thumb rests over the clicker cutouts, resulting in a softer sound. The teardrop shape was easy enough to hold, but it didn’t give us any reason to choose it over another clicker.
The Pro-Training Quicker Clicker by StarMark was the only clicker that was borderline unusable. The unique cylinder shape of this clicker is designed to slide over a belt, waistband or even the edge of a training pouch. The problem is that this clip doesn’t grip. It sits loose, slips, slides and falls off every few clicks. The only way I could hold it in place was clipping it to the inside pocket of my jeans – but this position won’t be easily accessible for certain tricks, like shaking a paw. It’s a shame. If the clip were better designed, I could easily recommend this clicker as an easy-to-hold alternative to the clickers with a finger strap.
Out of all the clickers I tested, the Downtown Pet Supply Clicker was my least favorite by far. The design looks eerily similar to the Karen Pryor i-Click. That’s where the similarity ends, however, because this clicker performed worse in almost every way. The narrow shape and gloss finish made the clicker difficult to grip. In fact, it was down-right slippery. At least the bulky wrist cord stopped the clicker from falling to the ground while I was training, although the cord on one of the clickers broke in the first session. Another had the clicker button fail so that it no longer clicked. The only redeeming feature is that these clickers come in a pack of 4 at a bargain price.
Only at PetSmart can you purchase the in-store brand Top Paw Pet Training clicker. The only clicker that failed the crush test was this one. It broke into pieces when “accidentally” stepped on. Otherwise, it’s just an average clicker. We see no justification for recommending it over our less expensive top picks given its price.
How did we test the dog clickers?
I took full advantage of this review to train my pup while getting paid, thanks DogLab! Since clickers are used to train dogs, it makes sense to test each clicker while training a dog, right?
Let me introduce you to my training buddy:
Breed: German Shepherd x Border Collie mix
When Harper is off the leash, she can now “wait,” “go ahead,” and be called back. Who knew all it took to train this unruly puppy to behave properly was a clicker, treats, and training?
A deaf French Bulldog, a shy Yorkie, and a playful Labrador were among the other dogs I tested the clickers on to see how they would react to the sound of each clicker.
In relation to sound, I ranked each clicker according to its volume using a sound meter. The nosier the clicker, the higher the reading.
Finally, I tested the following:
Durability: On a hardwood floor, each clicker was stepped on with a rubber-soled shoe.
The simplicity with which each clicker was activated during training.
Each of these factors contributed to which clickers we recommend. Our top picks excel in both these areas.
While putting the aforementioned traits to the test, we noticed a few things that are noteworthy.
FAQ
Is a clicker good for dog training?
When training dogs with positive reinforcement, a dog training clicker can be an excellent tool. Clicker training is a successful and enjoyable method for training your dog because it heavily relies on positive reinforcement. You can train your dog using a clicker to teach them simple commands or challenging tricks.
Is a training clicker worth it?
Pro: It Fosters a Close Bond Positive reinforcement can teach your dog that responding to the click results in a food reward. When teaching puppies the fundamentals of obedience, as well as later for trick and action training, clicker training is effective.
What age should you start clicker training?
When to start clicker training a puppy. You can begin training your puppy as early as eight weeks, but you should be aware that the amount of time it takes will likely depend on your puppy’s age, temperament, gender, and breed.
Is a clicker or whistle better for dog training?
However, whistles must be used as cues when training dogs. In addition to being the standard tool for the job, they also make much better cues than clickers. Their sound travels far and can be lengthened or compressed to produce a variety of signals, including the recall, turn, and stop signals.