a blue training clicker with some small training treats

When your dog first hears the clicker, it doesn’t mean anything yet. That’s okay! The first step is to help your dog learn that the click is a happy sound that means “Good job, a treat is coming.” This step is often called charging, or loading, the clicker.

Here’s how to start:

  • Pick a quiet place where your dog can focus.

  • Get ten to fifteen small treats your dog loves.

  • Press the clicker once, then give a treat right away.

  • Repeat a few times: click first, then treat.

  • Take a short break, then click at a random moment. If your dog looks at you or perks up, you’ve done it. The clicker now has meaning.

Keep these little sessions short and fun. Try a few throughout the day, and don’t worry about getting it perfect. The goal is simple: when you click, your dog should happily look for a treat. Once that happens, you’re ready to start using the clicker in training.

When your dog starts to expect a treat after the click, that’s your sign to move on and start using it in training.