As a dog parent, it is your responsibility to train your dog. Ideally, a dog begins training as a young puppy, but you can train older dogs too, though this may be more work for you and your dog.
The desire to train your dog is where training clickers come in handy. They are an easy, tried-and-tested method of training your dog to be on its best behaviour. Clicker training helps your dog associate good behaviour with rewards. It is easier than traditional dog training, and anyone can use a clicker to train their dog.
Benefits of having a dog training clicker
We have used dog training clickers with all of our dogs, and we find the main benefits are:
- It is an easier form of training compared to traditional dog training; it is a healthier form of training compared to giving treats for good behaviour,
- it is easy to use, and you do not require any professional training,
- They are cheap, so you can have multiple available to you in all situations (we keep one in our car and one on our dogs lead)
- a more disciplined dog is a joy to you and safer and stress free on walks
5 best dog training clickers
Ready to train your puppy? We have a list of five of the best dog training clickers available in the UK to help you narrow down your search. There is very little difference between each clicker other than the pitch of the click, their ease of use and their durability.
1. Diyife Training Clicker with Wrist Strap Dog Clicker, [4 PCS, Multi-Color]
![Diyife Dog Clicker, [4 PCS, Multi-Color] Training Clicker with Wrist Strap for Dog Cat Horse,](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I8if9HovL.jpg)
Diyife Training Clicker with Wrist Strap Dog Clicker, [4 PCS, Multi-Color]
Our Rating: 5/5
Check PriceThe Diyife Training Clicker is a multi-coloured, multi-animal training clicker. The clicker can be used to train dogs, cats, and even horses! The clicker comes in a pack of four (perfect for leaving one in the car, or attached to your lead), each with a different colour. The clickers come with a simple elasticated clip that easily attached to your lead or belt loop on your trousers.
As a disclaimer, we use these clickers ourselves, and have had no issues with durability (we have used them for around 9 months now with no issues). The click is easy to press, and our dogs respond well to the click (it is slightly quieter than most, making it great for dogs with sensitive hearing).
Pros:
- You get multiple clickers for the price of one
- great for anyone with other animals as it can be used to train many different types of animals
- has an anti-skid grip
- comes with wrist straps making it hard to lose
- made of durable ABS plastic and stainless steel
- it is not too loud, making it comfortable for sound-sensitive dogs
- good value
Cons:
- Does not come with a dog training guide, but these are readily available online.
2. STARMARK Pro-Training Clicker Training Aid
Starmark’s Pro-Training clicker comes with a free training guide. It is easy to use and is made of a rust-free material ensuring a long life. The clicker feels a lot more durable than its plastic competition, but it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Pros:
- Made of stainless steel,
- ergonomic design for maximum comfort
- easily attachable to a keychain
- it comes with both a free training guide and free online video lessons.
3. PetSafe Clik-R Training Tool, Obedience Aid, Clicker for Dogs
The PetSafe Clik-R is another great clicker that promises quick results in obedience training and is easy to use. You can use it at every training level to achieve great results, and it comes with a training guide. The clicker itself has a hole that you can loop through to attach it to your lead or keys. The clicker is easy to push down and is another relatively quiet clicker that makes it suitable for dogs with sensitive hearing.
Pros:
- The Clik-R is highly adaptable as you can use it to train at different levels
- it is portable and lightweight, and you can use it during walks or even on vacation
- comfortable to hold due to its ergonomic shape and comfort finger band
- abalone free which is safe for any dogs or owners with allergies
- has an anti-slip rubber coating
- is not loud making it suitable for noise-sensitive dogs
Cons:
- The PetSafe Clik-R is quite pricey
4. COA Whizzclick
The COA Whizzclick is a patented dog training tool that is a whistle and a clicker in one. It has the benefits of the clicker plus the benefits of the whistle. The clicker is easy to press, and the whistle is effective for recalling your dog when they have strayed too far.
Pros:
- Great for long-distance commands when training
- has the added advantage of a whistle for better training
- comes with a free training guide
- has an ergonomic design for wrist comfort
- is lightweight
- is reasonably priced
5. 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
Check PriceASCO’s Premium Clicker comes with a ring attachment that makes it easy to carry around and hard to lose. The clicker itself has a stainless steel metal tongue which weather proof and causes a slightly louder click than the other products listed.
Pros:
- Has an ergonomic shape for comfortable handling
- has an extension strap
- comes in several different colours
- shock and weather-resistant
- has an elastic finger loop
Cons:
- it does not come with a dog training guide
What to consider when buying a dog training clicker
To avoid confusion once you start browsing for your clicker, here are a few things to consider when buying:
- Noise-sensitivity of your dog: You don’t want to irritate your dog or turn this into a sadistic form of punishment. You must read about your dog’s breed and learn how sensitive their breed is to noise. This information will determine what kind of clicker you should buy. Some clickers are barely loud enough for the human ear, but they work well for dog breeds that are sensitive to noise.
- The age of your puppy: Younger puppies with zero training may require a clicker attached to a leash so that they are easier to train when on walks. If your puppy has already developed discipline during walks, then you may not need a clicker attached to a leash. An older dog may be more challenging to train, and as many say, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks!
- What kind of training you are doing: Some clickers come with whistles, a full dog kit, and even a first-aid kit. The question is, what training do you plan to do? Are you merely potty-training your dog? Are you teaching your dog self-control when it comes to food? Of course, some training types require professional help, but a basic clicker will not help you train your dog to become a rescue dog that’s for sure!
