Necessity is the mother of invention

We are starting clicker training with Kerrigan.  We never did it with Copley, but he just moved so slow we always had plenty of time to say "good dog" as his marker.  With Kerri being energetic and a quick learner it seemed time to introduce the clicker.  Only one problem, it is so loud it makes her jump.  She is not so much scared of it as she is just startled by the noise and it distracts her.  That is just about the opposite of what you want the clicker to do so we needed a solution.  I have to give some credit for this idea to our wonderful instructor who suggested a pickle jar lid.  I tried that and it was ALMOST perfect.  My two problems with it were size (too large) and consistency (it made a different noise depending on how it got pressed, and about 50% of the time it was way too quiet.)

So I put my thinking cap on and have made the perfect clicker.  It also has the added benefit of being nearly free (1cent if you want to count the penny you have to dig out of the depths of your purse.)  For this clicker you will need.

1. The small top of a container with a safety seal button (we used one of those Starbucks drinks that comes in a glass bottle).
2. A penny (or similar coin)
3. Tape

The steps are simple.  Assemble your supplies.

Place the penny over the top of the security button.

Tape in place

Congratulations!  You have a quiet (but not too quiet) clicker!