Glossary

Clicker training

A reward-based method in which a small device makes a click at the instant a dog does the right thing, followed by a treat.

Also called: clicker, click and treat, marker training

A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a short, distinct sound. The click marks the exact moment the dog performs the wanted behavior and promises a reward. The dog first learns that click means food by hearing the sound followed by a treat several times.

Because the sound is quick, consistent and unlike everyday noises, it tells the dog precisely what earned the reward. That helps with behaviors that happen quickly or at a distance, and it is the basis of shaping new behaviors in small steps.

A clicker is a tool, not a command. It marks a behavior that has happened and is not used to call the dog or get its attention. Many trainers use a spoken word instead when their hands are busy.

Last reviewed November 8, 2026

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Related terms

Marker word A short word, such as "yes", said at the instant a dog does the right thing to tell it a reward is coming. Positive reinforcement Adding something a dog likes right after a behavior so that the behavior becomes more likely to happen again. Shaping Building a new behavior in small steps by rewarding each step that gets closer to the final goal. Capturing Marking and rewarding a behavior the dog offers on its own, such as sitting or lying down, so that it happens more often.