A marker is a something that tells your dog that they have done a really good behaviour and it is going to be rewarded with a treat. It can either be a word, clicker or hand signal (usually for deaf dogs). This helps to pin point the behaviour we want more of and if we follow up with a reward, the more likely and more frequent your dog will offer that good behaviour again to hear the marker and receive the reward.
This can be anything you like, such as ‘good’, ‘yes’, ‘win’, ‘ok’, ‘yay’, etc. Try to choose a word your dog is unlikely to hear at other times, so they don’t get confused. Try and say the word calmly. It’s easy to get excited during training if your dog is doing really well, but shouting the marker word may be distracting, exciting or confusing for your dogs. Try to say the marker word in the same tone and pitch each time.
Some people choose to use clicker. This is where instead of a word, as soon as your dog offers the great behaviour you press the button on the clicker device for the noise, then follow up with a reward. It is really down to preference, but I like to use a word in case you ever forget the clicker, and some dogs simply might not like the noise of the clicker.
This can be used for deaf dogs and needs to be a clear signal, such as a hand up or thumbs up, etc.
Introducing the marker word
Before you can start using a marker in training, you will need to teach your dog that the delivery of it means something good is on its way for them.
Using treats first say the marker word then give them a treat and repeat.
You can try this before coming to class, but don’t worry we will go through this in class.
