How to Make a Clicker for Dog Training

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Clickers are great tools for dog training that reinforce good behavior. While you can buy a dog clicker at your local pet store, you can save some money by making your own at home. There are multiple ways to make your own dog clicker using things you can find around the house, like a jar lid, a flashlight, and an aluminum can. Once you make your clicker, use it with your dog as much as possible for the best results!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using a Jar Lid

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    The lid on a jar of baby food or the lid to a small mason jar will work. You want a lid that's around 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) in diameter. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    The underside of the jar lid should be facing up. [2]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    You want to create an indent in the jar lid that you can use to make the clicking sound. Don't hit the jar lid too hard with the hammer. Three or four firm taps should be enough. [3]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    The center of the jar lid should be sticking out. If it's not, set the jar lid back on the flat surface, face down, and tap it with the hammer a few more times.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    The bump should pop back up into place after you release it.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using an Empty Flashlight

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    Only a flashlight that has one of these buttons will work. The button is what makes the clicking sound. Usually these buttons are made out of rubber and found at the end of the flashlight.
    • If you're not sure whether your flashlight will work, press the button to turn it on. If it doesn't make a loud clicking noise, it won't work.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    Find the seam where the two halves of the flashlight connect. Twist the top half counterclockwise. Keep twisting until the two halves of the flashlight separate. Dump the batteries out of the flashlight. [4]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    Screw the top half of the flashlight back onto the bottom half. Keep twisting until the two halves are securely connected. [5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    Don't hold the button when you press it in. Just quickly press and release to make the loud clicking noise.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Making an Aluminum Can Clicker

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  1. Any soda or beer can will work. Make sure the can is empty. Rinse the can out with water and let it dry.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    Make the strip 2 inches x 2 inches (5 cm x 5 cm). You want the strip to come from the curved side of the can, not from the top or bottom of the can. [6]
    • Wear gloves when you're cutting the can. Sharp edges on the can could cut you.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    Fold each corner so the tip touches the center of the concave side of the strip. Unfold the corners. [7]
    • When you're done, there should be four creases on the strip.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    Use a thin, flexible plastic lid, like the lid to a plastic container. Tape the square strip so that the curve is sticking up away from the lid. [8]
    • Be careful, the edges of the aluminum strip may be sharp.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make a Clicker for Dog Training
    The center of the strip should pop down when you press it, making the noise. When you let go, the center of the strip should pop back up.
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How Do You Use a Clicker To Train Your Dog?


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  • Question
    Can you just buy a clicker instead?
    CGOS951
    Community Answer
    Yes. It is easier to buy a clicker, but if you want to save money, just try one of these methods.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 7
  • Question
    Will big flashlights work, too?
    CGOS951
    Community Answer
    Any size is acceptable, but the preferred one is a smaller flashlight.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
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      Things You'll Need

      Using a Jar Lid

      • Aluminum jar lid
      • Hammer

      Using an Empty Flashlight

      • Flashlight

      Making an Aluminum Can Clicker

      • Aluminum can
      • Scissors
      • Small plastic lid
      • Tape
      • Gloves

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.rover-time.com/can-you-clicker-train-without-a-clicker/
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSgpIwhJ6Sg&feature=youtu.be&t=80
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSgpIwhJ6Sg&feature=youtu.be&t=97
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaQcM6_7mMc&feature=youtu.be&t=68
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaQcM6_7mMc&feature=youtu.be&t=68
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFr4yrfJB_U&feature=youtu.be&t=26
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFr4yrfJB_U&feature=youtu.be&t=26
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFr4yrfJB_U&feature=youtu.be&t=26

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a clicker for dog training, start by finding a small aluminum jar lid and placing it face down on a flat surface. Then, tap the center of the lid a few times with a hammer to create an indent in it. Finally, flip the lid over, and press down on the raised bump to make a clicking noise. Alternatively, you can make a clicker using an empty flashlight instead. Just find a flashlight with a clickable "on" button, and take out the batteries. Then, all you have to do is press the "on" button to make a clicking sound while you're training your dog. To learn how to make a clicker for dog training using an aluminum can, scroll down!

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        Jul 20, 2020

        "We adopted a rescue dog who was scared and timid. He has grown a lot, and we decided it was time to train him. This ..." more
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