Glacier learns clicker training.

"Clicker training" is an animal training method based on behavioral psychology that relies on marking desirble behavior and rewarding it.

Desirable behavior is usually marked by using a "clicker", a mechanical device that makes a short, distinct "click" sound which tells the animal exactly when they're doing he right thing. This clear form of communication, combined with positive reinforcement, is an effective, safe, and humane way to teach any animal any behavior that it is physically and mentally capable of doing.

How does clicker training work?

The trainer clicks at the moment the behavior occurs: the llama raises its foot, the trainer clicks simultaneously. The dog sits, the trainer clicks. Clicking is like taking a picture of the behavior the trainer wishes to reinforce. After "taking the picture," the trainer gives the animal something it likes, usually a small piece of food but sometimes play, petting, or other rewards.

Very soon (sometimes within two or three clicks), an animal will associate the sound of the click with something it likes: the reward. Since it wishes to repeat that pleasurable experience, it will repeat the action it was doing when it heard the click.

Any behavior can be trained with any animal following these three simple steps:

1. Get the behavior.

2. Mark the behavior.

3. Reward the behavior.                                                                                            

Showing in PERFORMANCE Classes

Performace classes judge the handler and llama as a team, usually as they negotiate obstacles of various types. The standard classes are obstacle, PR (public relations), pack, obstacle driving, and pleasure driving. (I've only competed in the first three).

The OBSTACLE CLASS contains various activities that may or may not relate to real life purposes, but do test the training and trust of the llama and the skills of the handler.

The PR CLASS is intended to test the llama and handler at tasks they may encounter on public relations excursions such as school or nursing home visits.

The PACK CLASS is supposd to test the llama's packing skills, but instead tests his or her training and trust and the handler's skills (just as in the obstacle class) while wearing a weighted (40 lb) pack. Activities are often counter to what a pack llama would actually be expected to do, such as stepping over a very high barrier (instead of jumping, which is both easier and safer).