Training your dog is a big part of being a pet parent. Dogs learn best when they are young puppies. But hey, you can still teach an old dog new tricks, it just takes a bit more effort.
This is where dog training clickers really help out. They’re a simple, proven way to teach your dog good manners. Clicker training helps your dog connect good actions with a reward. It’s often easier than older training methods. Plus, anyone can pick up a clicker and start training their dog.
Benefits of using a dog training clicker
We’ve used training clickers with all our own dogs. They just make things easier. Here are some of the main perks we’ve seen:
- It’s a simpler way to train than traditional methods. And it’s often healthier than just giving treats all the time.
- You don’t need special skills or professional training. Just pick it up and go.
- Clickers are pretty cheap. So you can have a few around. Keep one in the car, or maybe on your dog’s leash.
- A well-behaved dog makes life better. Walks are less stressful, and it’s a joy to have a disciplined pet.
5 great dog training clickers
Ready to get your puppy or older dog trained? We’ve put together a list of five top dog training clickers in the UK. This should help you pick the right one. Most clickers are pretty similar. The main differences are the click sound, how easy they are to use, and how long they last.
Diyife Training Clicker with Wrist Strap Dog Clicker, [4 PCS, Multi-Color]
![Diyife Dog Clicker, [4 PCS, Multi-Color] Dog Training Clicker with Wrist Strap for Dog Cat Horse Clickers for Dog Training Lightweight Durable Puppy Clicker Training Kit, for Pet Lovers](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51FdOaXJViL.jpg)
Diyife Training Clicker with Wrist Strap Dog Clicker, [4 PCS, Multi-Color]
Our Rating: 5/5
The Diyife Training Clicker pack comes with four clickers in different colors. You can use these clickers to train more than just dogs; they work for cats and even horses. Having a pack of four is great. You can leave one in your car and another attached to your dog’s leash, so you always have one ready.
Each clicker has a simple elastic clip. This makes it easy to attach to your leash or belt. We actually use these clickers ourselves and they hold up well. We’ve had them for about nine months without any problems. The click button is easy to press. Our dogs respond well to the sound. It’s a bit quieter than some other clickers, which is good for dogs that are sensitive to noise.
Pros:
- You get several clickers for the cost of one.
- Good for pet parents with multiple animals; it trains many different types.
- Has a grip that stops it from slipping.
- Comes with wrist straps, making them harder to misplace.
- Made from strong ABS plastic and stainless steel.
- Not too loud. This makes it comfortable for dogs sensitive to sounds.
- Good value.
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a dog training guide, but you can find these easily online.
STARMARK Pro-Training Clicker Training Aid
The Starmark Pro-Training clicker comes with a free training guide. It’s simple to use. This clicker is made from rust-free material, which helps it last a long time. It feels much sturdier than plastic clickers. But it also costs a little more.
Pros:
- Made of stainless steel.
- Ergonomic design for maximum comfort.
- Easy to attach to a keychain.
- Comes with a free training guide and online video lessons.
PetSafe Clik-R Training Tool, Obedience Aid, Clicker for Dogs
The PetSafe Clik-R is another good clicker. It helps with obedience training and is simple to use. You can use it at any training stage to get good results. It also comes with a training guide. The clicker has a hole for looping it onto your leash or keys. It’s easy to press, and the click is fairly quiet. This makes it good for dogs with sensitive hearing.
Pros:
- The Clik-R is very adaptable; use it for different training levels.
- It’s light and easy to carry. Take it on walks or even vacations.
- Comfortable to hold. It has a good shape and a finger band for comfort.
- Abalone free, so it’s safe for dogs or owners with allergies.
- Has a rubber coating that prevents slipping.
- Not too loud. This makes it good for noise-sensitive dogs.
Cons:
- The PetSafe Clik-R is quite expensive.
COA Whizzclick
The COA Whizzclick is a clever dog training tool. It combines a whistle and a clicker into one. You get the benefits of both. The clicker is easy to push. The whistle works well for calling your dog back, especially if they’ve gone a bit far.
Pros:
- Great for long-distance commands during training.
- Has a whistle for better training options.
- Comes with a free training guide.
- Designed for comfort with a wrist strap.
- Is lightweight.
- Reasonably priced.
ASCO Premium Clicker, PET (Dog, Puppy, Cat, Horse) Training Finger Clicker
ASCO Premium Clicker, PET (Dog, Puppy, Cat, Horse) Training Finger Clicker
Our Rating: 4.5/5
ASCO’s Premium Clicker has a ring attachment. This makes it easy to carry around and harder to misplace. The clicker uses a stainless steel metal piece that is weatherproof. It creates a slightly louder click compared to the other products on this list.
Pros:
- Has a comfortable, ergonomic shape for handling.
- Comes with an extension strap.
- Available in several different colors.
- Resistant to shocks and weather.
- Includes an elastic finger loop.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a dog training guide.
Things to think about before buying a dog training clicker
To help you choose, here are some things to think about when you’re looking for a dog training clicker:
- How sensitive your dog is to noise: You don’t want to upset your dog. Or make training feel like a punishment. Find out if your dog’s breed is sensitive to sounds. This info will help you pick the right clicker. Some clickers are very quiet, barely audible to us. But they work great for dogs that are easily bothered by loud sounds.
- Your puppy’s age: Very young puppies with no training might do better with a clicker attached to a leash. This makes walks easier to manage. If your pup already walks well, you might not need a leash attachment. Older dogs can be harder to train. People often say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but you can. It just takes more patience.
- What kind of training you plan: Some clickers come with whistles, or even a full training kit. What do you need it for? Are you just potty-training your dog? Teaching them not to beg for food? A basic clicker won’t help your dog become a rescue dog, that’s for sure! Figure out your goals first.