Dogtra iQ CLiQ - Manual (Page 19)

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an important part of every sound training method, and as with
effective punishment, good timing is critical. However, timing
a reward with precision can be challenging, especially when
delivering a toy or treat from your pocket.
The clicker, which makes a noise that is perfectly consistent
and distinct, eliminates this problem by marking the exact
moment your dog does something correctly. Clicking right as
the behavior is occurring tells your dog that what he is doing in
that moment has earned him a reward. You may then deliver the
reward shortly afterward (a two second interval is best), even if
the dog has moved on to some other behavior.
3. Getting started with your clicker
To teach your dog what the click means, practice clicking and
then treating. Repeat until your dog clearly recognizes the sound
and responds with a look of anticipation.
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You may select any behavior your dog does on his own and put it
on cue, by clicking and rewarding when you see it. Take picking
up a toy or lying down. By clicking and rewarding, you mark
the behavior as something worth offering. Repeat until your dog
offers it frequently enough that you can cue it ahead of time.
Your dog will associate the cue with the selected behavior, after
which you only click and reward it when performed on cue.
To shape new skills, begin by clicking and rewarding the closest
behavior you are able to observe or elicit. As your dog offers
it more reliably, gradually raise the bar, only clicking and
rewarding those examples that come closest to the mark.
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should develop his mind more fully.