I sometimes use clickers, but them difficult to hold, when you also have treat, a leash etc. Instead I more often use a "bridge" or marker word, like "Yes" and no No reward mark like "try again" if they do not give the right behavior.
I also give lots of treats for a new behavior and the up the criteria. For example, Sadie knows "back" very well. At first she got lots of treats for taking one step backward. Now she may get a rat the third time she goes across the room backward. it varies. and treats don't have to be food, it can be a pet, permission to jump when that is not noramlly okay, a toy, a walk etc.

I would look into other trainers...just o see. Make sure his methods are really what you like best and which is more important to you...to stay with the same trainer or to keep Malone in training.