I use clicker training for our dogs occasionally. I find it very helpfull with the gundogs for teaching a certain behaviour. Ive also used it to teach my new pup buddy (jack russell) tricks! We have only had him two weeks today and we have taught him sit, down, roll over , this paw, that paw and spin.
I start by doing a couple of click then reward sessions of maybe 10-15 treats.
I then use the treat to lure them into the desired move (ie sit) as soon as their bum hits the ground i click/treat , i keep doing this for a few sessions. I usually do 3 - 4 sessions a day each lasting a few minutes. In the end you find the dog will offer the desired behaviour of his own accord, to which i would click/treat. Once the dog knows what is expected i add a verbal command (ie sit) until the dog does it only for the command (ie it is not rewarded unless i have asked for the behaviour). Once i know they fully know the verbal command i only treat say - every third command, which makes them work harder for the treat.
I find it great fun as do the dogs.
Treats - i tend to use either pieces of cheese, puppy kibble or cereal (buddy loves cheerios!!). Just basically anything that the dog can eat quickly and also doesnt fill them up too quickly.
Another thing...timing is essential with the clicker and it must be clicked at the correct time, bang on the point that the dog does exactly as desired.
Dog tricks by Mary Ray is a fab book. I got my interest in clicker training from it
HTH Ang x