8 correct out of 10 repetitions = move up a step
Once youve added your cue for a new behavior, if your dog performs correctly on 8 out of 10 repetitions your next step is to fade out the click, and then to put the behavior on a variable schedule of reinforcement (sometimes you get a treat sometimes you dont).
If the behavior deteriorates you can bring the clicker back out to work on individual aspects of the behavior until it is what you want it to be, but remember once again, to fade out your click and put the behavior back on a variable schedule of reinforcement.
You dont need a clicker all the time. It is perfectly acceptable to use a word, such as "Yes!" as a marker, or simply to reinforce your dog with praise, petting, food, etc. when theyre doing something you like. This can be especially good for reinforcing calm behaviors that your dog offers when you are not actively training as some dogs will get more excited and go into "working" mode when they here the click.
Use life rewards as well as treats. Allowing your dog to play, have freedom, go sniff, are all reinforcers that you can and should use to your advantage. They can also lead to problems if you arent actively using them. For example, if you allow your dog to pull on the leash to go sniff something or get to the gate at the dog park, you are reinforcing your dog for pulling on leash. You dont need to click when you are using a life reward as a reinforcer.
Remember that you should only be clicking and treating one specific thing in a training session. If your working on down, dont click sometimes for elbows bending and sometimes for looking at you, that will be confusing to your dog, and the goal of the clicker is to make communication more clear.
