A Good Training Product (Clix Multi-Clicker)

Member Name: windwhisperer

Product:	Clix Multi-Clicker
Date:	28/01/09 (35 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: You can purchase it as several different packages

Disadvantages: An easier to click clicker would be nice

Let's face facts, if you are looking for some guidance on how to train your dog from the outset you are probably feeling pretty much stressed - I know I was - so I'll try to keep this review as straightforward as possible.

I'd actually threatened to buy a clicker for my older dog but never got around to it, however when I got a new puppy who quickly transformed into 'Thunder Thug,' as an adolescent, I knew I had to do something.

Firstly you can buy several 'packages' of clicker.
You can buy a standard, stand alone clicker. One tone and no instructions.
You can buy a two tone clicker and small instruction booklet
You can buy a clicker 'package,' which, I understand, contains the two tone clicker, lanyard (ropey thing for going around your wrist), instructions, and a pole thingy for training the dog. I know nothing about the 'pole thingy' so can't comment on its involvement or effectiveness, except to say that this package comes in at around £10.

I went for package number two, which costs around the £3-£4 mark depending on where you buy it from. So, I ended up with a two tone clicker (with wrist lanyard attached) and an instruction booklet.
I actually think that I did make a good choice. Without the lanyard I most certainly would have lost the device by now, without the lower and higher clicker tone I don't think my dogs would have taken much notice, and the information booklet is invaluable in pointing out what you are doing right, and probably more importantly, in highlighting what not to do.

The importance of the two tone clicker I found out more or less straight away. I set it on the quieter tone, not wanting to scare the dogs rather than just get their attention. They didn't hear it - and that was in the house, so if the wind is blowing outdoors you stand a chance of a dog taking no notice whatsoever.
It duly went on the louder tone and this certainly got their attention.

The booklet is basically an Idiot's Guide - something I do like to see, and is written in plain English giving instructions on how to train the dog to basic commands and then on to more difficult 'tricks' should you so wish.

Now as with all animal training, should you suffer a distinct lack of success, it is worth remembering the majority of the faults lie with the trainer rather than with the dog. A hard lesson for us to learn I know, but very true nonetheless, so I did set off with the mind-set that if the dog 'didn't get it,' then I was most probably doing something wrong.

But the dog did get it - provided I got the timing right -and as with most things, timing is everything. Basically you are getting the dog's immediate attention and rewarding it as soon as it does something right, but your clicker response has to be immediately the required action happens. Here was the only problem I found with the clicker - it was sometimes a little difficult to actually depress the clicker button itself. Fumbling about and giving the dog a click/reward a few seconds after the required action really does no good, so my one bit of concern is that I would like to see a quicker-clicker.

Other than that, if you get it right and are patient and persistent, then this product does work. Both my dogs are bull headed and somewhat thunderous, but it grabs their attention and I can now get the younger of the two to walk to heel - most of the time. But these things do take time and occasionally you have the odd slip up - however you do make it in the end and feel better about praising a dog for doing the right thing, rather than shouting at it for doing the wrong one.

Altogether a good product.

Summary: It works and works well providing the trainer understands how to use it.