How it works
Your pet understands a 'click' to mean 'I like what you are doing
right now'. The exercise is now finished and your pet gets a treat.
At first, of course, your pet needs to learn what the "click" means
for him. For this you need small treats (no bigger than the size of
a pea), the Clicker and your pet.
For your first training session, choose a peaceful location,
preferably indoors. At the beginning, only click from inside a
pocket, or wrap a tea towel around your hand with the Clicker, so
that your pet doesn't get a shock from the first sound of the
Clicker.
First exercise: Press the Clicker once, take a treat and give it to
your pet. Repeat this procedure 15 to 20 times. Do not talk. If
your dog barks or jumps up at you, ignore it. If your pet tries to
steal the treats, prevent him from doing so. This exercise should
be repeated the next day. By now your pet should have
understood that for every 'click' there is food. The sound of the
Clicker changes from meaningless noise to the promise of food.
This sequence is always applicable: 'click', reach for food, food
to pet. Never press the Clicker to get your pet's attention or to
call him.
Now your dog needs to learn that he can produce the 'click'
himself, by his behaviour. He will learn to pay attention to
actions that please you.