Training animals would be much easier if we shared a common language and I could simply explain what I wanted them to do. Though we don't share a verbal language, we have countless other ways to communicate.
Clicker training is one way we can teach a new behavior. It becomes a game much like the kids' game "Hot and Cold," but with a twist. Instead of directing the learner toward the goal behavior with cues like "colder, warmer, warmer, burning up!," clicker training limits your vocabulary to "hot."
I recently taught my pet rabbit, Wally, a new skill by using a click sound in place of the word "hot." The click communicates that he did something right and he will get a treat for it. Little by little, he starts to understand what I want. Watch how this simple game facilitates fast learning while having fun!
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