People who are new to clicker training often believe that a Good Girl or Good Boy will work just as well as clicks and treats. While praise can be great for maintaining an existing skill, the click (or verbal marker) is simply the smartest, fastest way to teach new skills and cues. And dogs love it!

Look, it’s the treat lady! . . . He’s only doing that because of the treats.. . . She won’t pay attention to me because she likes your treats better.

These are things I commonly hear from clients. Sure, dogs always love my treats, which are really tasty (apparently). And I do pay out a lot of them in a lesson. But not for free! They have to be earned by offering behaviors I want.