What is it?
A marker is a sound or word you use to let your dog know that they have offered the desired behaviour and that a reward is coming.
Why is a marker useful?
A marker communicates to a dog that they have offered the behaviour as they are doing it. This is the most effective method of training as it “captures” the behaviour as it is happening.
What makes a good marker?
A marker can be ANYTHING! It can be a bit overwhelming to know what to use. The most commonly used marker word is “Yes”, but you can use any other word (“SUPER” is my personal favourite!). A sound such as a click is also suitable. When choosing your marker, you should consider the following guidlines:
- It should short and sweet – too long and your dog will wonder why you are standing there chatting!
- It should be consistent – use the same word or sound EVERY time
- It should come naturally to you – if it doesn’t roll off your tongue don’t use it
How to train a marker
You will need:
- Your marker (our example uses “YES”)
- Treats
- A quiet environment free from distractions
Method:
- Charge your marker: say “YES” and immediately give a food reward. Repeat this 5 times.
- Now wait until your dog looks away. Say their name to gain their attention. The moment they look at you, MARK the behaviour with “YES” and give a food reward.
This method can be applied to ANY cue, and it is a highly important step in training.
Tips:
- If your dog is not motivated by food, use a toy or game to reward instead
Need extra help?
Get in touch today! Send us an email or message us on our Facebook page.