Welcome to Canis klikkerINSTRUKTØRkurs
2026: 21–25 October, 28–29 November, 2027: 30–31 January, 3–4 April
The course will be held at various locations in central Nittedal and Oslo.
The clicker instructor course consists of four modules:
Module 1 Foundation Skills The main focus is on foundation skills – abilities that are important to master and that are common across most dog sports. You will learn to shape new behaviours using targeting and free shaping, and receive an introduction to the four consequences of behaviour, with particular emphasis on positive and negative reinforcement. We work on timing, criterion setting, choosing the right reinforcement quality, and how you build high reinforcement frequency to promote learning. We also focus on relationship-building through play.
Module 2 Criteria and Training Planning This module's main focus is learning to set the right criteria in training. We go through the 80% rule, training logs, and how to create good criterion plans. We also continue the work with foundation skills from module one. Additionally, we explore various learning techniques and strategic delivery of reinforcers.
Module 3 Stimulus Control The main topic is stimulus control – how to train reliable cues. We work on discrimination, that is, how to teach your dog to choose or "identify" the correct item. You will learn the five steps to full stimulus control on a behaviour, and we carry out several practical exercises. We also look at how you can switch between stimulus control and voluntary behaviour. Additionally, you will learn about Pavlov – who always sits on your shoulder. A written take-home exam is also distributed this module.
Module 4 Backchaining The main topic this module is backchaining – one of the most central principles within clicker training. We work practically with both cue-driven behaviour chains and chains driven by "environmental signals". The course concludes with a practical exam.