Training your dog is one of the most important things you can do as a dog owner. A well-trained dog can have more freedom to enjoy life, making your life much easier. Dog training can be a really enjoyable and engaging experience for you and your dog. There are many different tools and techniques you can use; in this article, we take a look at some clicker training techniques and tips.
What is a dog clicker?
A dog clicker is a small device that makes a clicking sound when you press down on the button or lever. This click is consistent and a sound you’ll use to get your dog to listen and respond to your commands. Clickers come in a variety of shapes and colours; you can buy some that have a keyring attachment or clickers you can hang around your neck for easy access during dog training. Whatever clicker you choose, make sure it’s easy to use, and the sound is distinct. You’ll be pressing that button a lot if you want clicker training to work, so it should be easy to use. 
How does clicker training work?
Clicker training works on the principle that your dog associates the clicker with a positive reward. Your dog learns that when they hear the clicker, they’ve done the right thing, and as a result, they will get a reward. Over time you can remove the treat, and the clicker in itself will be the reward. This is a good way to communicate calmly with your dog to let them know that they’re doing what you want them to do during a training session.
Familiarising your dog with the clicker
If your dog hasn’t seen or heard a clicker before, they won’t understand what it is or what the click noise means. An easy way to get your dog used to the clicker and to begin to understand it is by getting them to do a simple command they’re already familiar with, such as sit. Start by asking them to sit; as soon as they’re sat, press your clicker and reward them with a treat. You’ll need to keep practising this regularly over short sessions until your dog gets used to the clicker sound and starts associating it with a treat and doing the right thing. Dogs vary in their intelligence levels and ability to concentrate, so we suggest you stick to short sessions to keep them interested. Some dogs might be happy with longer sessions, and others might quickly pick up the training. However, it's still important to keep practising and repeating the exercise, so it sticks with your dog. 
Learning new commands
Now your dog is used to your ACME clicker or any clicker and understands that it's a reward you can use to teach them new commands. When teaching your dog a new command, such as going to bed, you should split it into several steps. You want to click when your dog is interested in their bed, then click when they put a foot in the bed, then click and reward when they’re in their bed. The clicker is a way to reinforce your dog positively, so you can let them know they’re doing the right thing. 
Accurate timing
For clicker training to work, you need to be good with timings; clicking a moment too late could confuse your dog, and the training won’t be as effective. It's a good idea to keep a clicker on hand on a walk or when you’re interacting with your dog. This will allow you to click when your dog unexpectedly does the desired behaviour without being told. If clicker training isn’t working for you and your dog, think about your timings and if you’ve been on point using the clicker.
Consistency
For clicker training to be effective, it needs to be used consistently on a daily basis. Your dog will forget, and you’ll need to start again if you sometimes use the clicker and other times just reward them directly. Keep practising and keep a clicker on you at all times; this will make it easier to remember to be consistent with your training. 
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Clicker Dog Training Tips for Beginners

If you’re planning to take part in an endurance mountain bike event, you need to be prepared. Preparation is not only about ensuring you have the right equipment and supplies, but it's also important you train your body and your mind so you can perform well when it comes to the event. In this article, we have a few tips for those preparing for an endurance MTB event. 
Begin slowly
If you’re a beginner, you should start slowly with smaller mountain bike rides and build up to longer rides. If you push your body too far in the beginning, you’re going to feel sore and get worn out very quickly. This could lead to injuries or a long recovery time before you can get back on the saddle. Start with half an hour up to an hour of mountain biking and see how you feel. If that’s easy for your fitness level, you can increase it next time you go out on a ride. 
Create a training plan
When you’re building up to any long-distance event, whether it's mountain biking, running or swimming, you should create a training plan. This will help you stay on track and allow you enough time to build up the endurance and skills needed to participate in the event. The length and intensity of your training plan will depend on your current fitness and skill level. Twelve weeks is generally considered enough time to train for a 12-hour endurance race if you have a good level of fitness. If you’re completely out of shape, you might need longer to train. You can develop your own training plan, or there are free and paid options available online. Training plans should include a range of short and long rides, strength training and endurance training. 
Don’t forget to rest
If you’re challenging yourself to get ready for an endurance race in a short time period, it can be easy to push yourself too far. This may result in injuries and not being able to participate. Listen to your body and know when you need to take a day off to rest. This can improve your performance and enable you to get to your goal more quickly. Most tailored mountain bike plans, free or paid for, will include periods of rest and recuperation. 
Get the right gear
To perform effectively in any mountain bike event, you need the right bike and gear. Do your research and select a bike you are comfortable riding for long periods of time. Never switch or change your bike at the last minute before an event. In addition to the right bike, you’ll also need protective equipment, including a helmet, goggles and gloves. Don’t skimp when it comes to buying your gear; even small things like gloves have quality levels. The best mountain bike gloves will improve your grip, keep your hands dry, and improve your performance. Cheap gloves can be uncomfortable and even hinder your performance. Quality mountain bike clothing will have inbuilt protection to absorb any impact if you come off your bike during training or an event. This can help minimize the damage to your body, allowing you to heal quicker and get back to your training plan or event. Wearing the same gear throughout your training will help you get used to the range of movement, features and any additional weight it adds to your body.
Nutrition
To be fit enough to ride in an endurance race, you need to fuel your body with the right levels of nutrition. A balanced healthy diet that contains all of the nutrients you need is recommended. Avoid unhealthy fried and fatty foods as these can contribute to weight gain. You should also ensure you get enough protein to build your muscles. Combine proteins with the right level of healthy carbohydrates; these will help you to push your body and ride for longer. Try out using energy gels and snacks that help you to keep going for longer when you feel like you’ve hit the wall. Again, when it comes to events, stick to the diet you’ve been following throughout your training and don’t add any new products that might disagree with your stomach.
Resources:

Mountain Bike Shoes - Diary.by
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