If you’ve read our last post, you already know why dogs love the sound of a clicker — it’s not the noise itself, but the promise of something good that follows. Now that your dog’s made that connection, it’s time to put it into practice.
Clicker training is simple once you’ve got the rhythm down, but when you’re juggling a big dog, a training lead, and a handful of treats, it can feel like you need an extra arm. Don’t worry — with a few smart habits and some planning, you’ll be clicking like a pro in no time.
Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success
Before you even begin, take a minute to set up your training space and gear. It makes all the difference between a smooth session and a frustrating one.
What you’ll need:
- A clicker that fits comfortably in your hand (a wrist strap helps stop it from dropping).
- High-value treats - small, soft, and easy to eat quickly.
- A treat pouch or pocket you can access instantly.
- A strong, comfortable lead or training line suitable for your dog’s size.
- A quiet, distraction-free area for early sessions.
The key to success here is accessibility. You want your treats and clicker ready to go so you’re not fumbling when your dog does something right. Timing is everything.
Step 2: Load the Clicker
Before you use the clicker to train, your dog needs to understand what it means. This process is called charging or loading the clicker.
Here’s how:
- In a quiet space, click once, then immediately give your dog a treat.
- Pause a few seconds, then repeat - click, treat.
- Do this 10–20 times.
You’ll know it’s worked when your dog perks up and looks at you the moment they hear the click, expecting their reward. Once that happens, you’re ready to start training behaviours.
Step 3: Learn the Hand Juggle — Clicker, Lead and Treats
This is where most people get stuck, especially with big dogs. You need one hand for the clicker, one for the lead, and somehow also need to hand out treats. Here’s the system that keeps it all flowing.
- Your dominant hand: Hold the clicker between your thumb and forefinger so you can press it instantly. Keep this hand close to your treat pouch or pocket, so you can grab a treat immediately after clicking.
- Your other hand: Holds the lead. If you’re using a long line, keep a little slack so your dog can move freely. Avoid wrapping it around your wrist - just hold it securely but comfortably.
- Your treats: Keep them on the same side as your clicker hand. If you’re right-handed, have your treat pouch on your right hip. That way, when you click, your hand naturally moves straight to the treat without hesitation.
Pro tip: Practise the movement without your dog first - click, grab treat, pretend to deliver - so it becomes second nature before you add in all that wagging enthusiasm.
Step 4: Start Simple
The first behaviours to practise with the clicker should be easy wins. Think “sit”, “down”, or even just making eye contact. The goal is to build confidence and a rhythm - click, treat, reset.
For example, when teaching “sit”: Wait for your dog to lower their bottom to the ground.
The instant it hits the floor - click. Follow immediately with a treat. Let them stand up again and repeat.
Soon, you’ll see your dog offering the sit more often, waiting for that magical click.
Step 5: Keep Sessions Short and Positive
Big dogs can be enthusiastic learners, but they also tire or get distracted quickly. Keep each session to five or ten minutes, then take a break.
Always finish on a success, even a small one. You want your dog walking away thinking, “That was fun - let’s do it again!”
If something isn’t working, it’s not failure - it’s feedback. Step back, simplify, and try again in a quieter space or with higher-value treats.
Step 6: Avoid Common Mistakes
Here are a few of the most common clicker hiccups (and how to fix them):
- Clicking too late: The click marks the exact moment of the right behaviour. If you’re slow, your dog might think you’re rewarding something else. Practise your timing.
- Forgetting to reward: Always follow a click with a treat, especially early on. The click only stays meaningful if it consistently predicts something good.
- Clicking to get attention: Don’t use the clicker as a “come here” sound. It’s only for marking correct behaviour.
- Over-talking: Too many words can confuse your dog. Let the click speak for itself.
- Long, draining sessions: Keep it light and fun. Lots of short, successful sessions beat one long one.
Step 7: Build on Your Success
Once your dog understands how the clicker works, you can start shaping more complex behaviours - things like “stay”, “come”, or “touch”. Break each behaviour into small steps and click for every bit of progress.
As your dog gets more reliable, you can gradually phase out the clicker. Replace it with a verbal marker like “Yes!” and start rewarding intermittently. But never rush this - your clicker is your clearest communication tool early on.
Why It Works So Well for Big Dogs?
Large breeds can sometimes be strong-willed, excitable, or easily distracted. The clicker helps cut through all that. It gives instant, calm feedback without you needing to raise your voice or pull on the lead.
It’s especially helpful for refining manners - like loose-lead walking, recall, or waiting calmly before heading out the door. With consistency, you’ll notice your dog paying closer attention, offering good behaviour, and genuinely enjoying the process.
The Takeaway
Clicker training might feel a little clumsy at first, but once you get the rhythm - click, treat, reset - it becomes second nature. The timing, the clarity, and the calm communication all help your big dog learn faster and with less frustration.
It’s not about gadgets or tricks - it’s about connection.
Each click is your way of saying: “Yes! You understood me. We’re working together.”
And when that starts happening consistently, you’ll see it - that spark in your dog’s eyes that says they’re just as proud of themselves as you are.
Coming Soon:
We’ll be sharing more training tips for big dogs - from building impulse control to making playtime part of your training routine. Stay tuned to the Experiences section of Big Dog Things for the next step in your dog’s learning journey.