An Affirmation is a means to let your dog know what it did that was correct or desirable. Examples include “Good Sit,” “Good Look,” and “Good Heel.” We want to be specific.

If your dog (Sam) looks at you while sitting down and you give the Affirmation “Good Sam,” this is appropriate but could be more specific. Affirming “Good Look” & “Good Sit” will be better because it will help Sam better understand which behavior(s) you’re wanting from him.

The clicker helps you affirm commands. Altogether, using Affirmation and the clicker effectively, practice the following:

1. Click. “Good Sit”
2. Click. “Good Look”
3. Click. “Good Heel”

This format helps your dog become operant and willing to explore, work, and engage.