#296: Treatclicker

When trying to train a dog, I believe many experts now advocate the use of a clicker device. This is basically a flexible square of metal which, when deflected and released, emits a loud and consistent click: much more consistent than a word of command from an owner.

The idea apparently is to make the noise when the animal is behaving as required.

Makkai_Bence_dog702.jpg

Today’s invention combines this with another form of Pavlovian reinforcement, the use of ‘treats.’

A container, similar to a saccharin tablet dispenser, would be used to spit out one treat pellet at a time. This action would deflect a metal plate, causing the required click.

The noise and pellet would reinforce each other’s effects and become associated with behaviour that was desired by the owner.

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