Marker Training

Author: Denise Partlow

Instagram: @modernk9 Carolinas

Marker training is when you use some type of signal that allows your dog to understand that the behavior or action they just completed is one you are happy with and are going to pay them for. We typically pay them with food or toys.

I use a verbal marker-“YES”. The moment the dog completes the action, I mark with the word “yes” and then reward. This word is not verbal praise. It is to mark the action that was correct, and it should always signify that payment is coming. Verbal praise is also acceptable to use but it typically follows the marker word. So for example if I ask my dog to sit, then he sits, I would say “Yes! Good Boy.” And reward. However, you do not have to only use praise immediately after a marker word. You can use praise at any time.

You may have seen other handlers use a clicker. They use it in a similar way. The moment the dog does the right action, they click, then reward.

Using a marker is going to be super helpful throughout any form of training but specifically when you’re dealing with a dog that is reactive, it’s going to come in quite handy as you will be able to mark behaviors your dog has completed without you even asking.

Once the dog has a good understanding of the marker, I will then begin some name recognition and recall. It’s important to me that the dog has a positive association to both his name and when the owners call him. I usually love to have my clients play a game called puppy ping-pong.

If you are not sure how to get the marker started or how to practice recall and name recognition, DM me I will help you through it.

Throughout this series, l will use the term “mark and reward”, this is what I will be referring to.

Tomorrow we will talk about the next step, impulse control.