Now that your clicker is loaded, you’re ready to start training. The clicker works best when it marks the exact moment your dog does the right thing.

Here’s the golden rule: click first, then treat. Always.

The click is your cheerful “Yes, that’s it.” It tells your dog exactly which behavior you’d like to see again.

Let’s start with an easy one — teaching sit.

  • Hold a treat just above your dog’s nose and slowly move it up and back.

  • As your dog follows it, their bottom will lower to the ground.

  • The moment it touches down, click, then give the treat.

  • Repeat a few times, then take a short break.

If your dog sits on their own, click and treat that too. Both ways work.

You can use the same idea when you give a cue such as sit or down. Just remember to click when your puppy does the right thing.

Good timing helps your dog understand what earned the treat. If you’re a little late sometimes, that’s okay — you’ll both get better with practice.

Only click once for each behavior. One click, one treat.