STEP 1:
Charge the Clicker (“Conditioning”)

Before teaching commands, your dog has to understand that:

Click = Treat. Always. You can substitute a click with the word 'yes'. 

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1. Sit with your dog in a quiet spot.

2. Click → immediately give a treat.

3. Repeat 10–15 times.
   Your dog will start to perk up or look excited when hearing the click.

STEP 2:
Teaching Basic Commands

Below are the easiest commands to teach with a clicker.

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General Clicker Rules:

• The click always means a reward is coming.

• Click during the exact behavior you want.

• Don’t use the clicker to get attention or call your dog—only to mark behaviors.

• Keep sessions short: 3–5 minutes, 2–3 times per day.

• Use high-value treats (tiny and soft).

1. Sit

Goal: dog puts their butt on the ground

How to train:

1. Hold a treat to your dog’s nose.

2. Slowly lift it up and back. Most dogs naturally sit.

3. The instant their butt hits the floor → CLICK → treat.

4. Repeat several times.

5. Once they reliably sit with the lure, add the word “Sit.”

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Tip: Don’t say the cue until they’re consistently offering the behavior.

2. Down

Goal: dog lies down on their belly

How to train:

1. From a sitting position, move a treat down toward the floor between their paws.

2. As their elbows hit the ground → CLICK → treat.

3. Repeat until they do it smoothly.

4. Add the cue “Down” right before you lure.

If they stand up: Reset and start from a sit again.

3. Stay

Goal: dog stays put until released

How to train:

1. Ask for a sit.

2. Say “Stay.”

3. Take half a step back.

4. If they remain still → CLICK → step forward and treat.

5. Gradually increase distance and time.

6. Add a release word like “Okay!” so they know when they’re done.

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Rule: Only click when the dog holds the position, not when you return to them.

4. Come (recall)

Goal: dog comes to you quickly

How to train:

1. Start indoors. Say the dog’s name + “Come!”

2. As soon as they start moving toward you → CLICK → treat when they arrive.

3. Make it fun—treats, praise, even a game of tug.

4. Add distance or mild distractions gradually.

5. Leave it

Goal: dog ignores something and looks at you

How to train:

1. Hold a treat in your closed hand.

2. Dog will sniff/lick/paw.

3. The moment they back off or look away → CLICK → give a better treat from your other hand.

4. Add the cue “Leave it” once they pull away consistently.