What is a Marker and Why Does it Matter?

A marker is simple. It “marks” the exact moment your dog did something right (“YES!”) or wrong (“NO!”). It is useful because it serves as a bridge, helping our dogs connect their actions with consequences, like a treat for doing something well! Once a marker is established, we can use it in many ways, including basic training, behavior change, and even cool dog sports and games.

It is not a command, but rather a way of clearly indicating to your dog that they got it right (or wrong at times) and that something good (and occasionally bad) is coming their way!

Below is an example of using the marker word “YES!” when your dog does something right.

First, we need to charge (or condition) our marker. This is a fancy way of saying we need to make our marker relevant to your dog, and it's very easy to do. Just say, “YES!” in a happy, sing-songy voice and immediately give your dog a treat! If you do this 10-15 times a session for a few days, your dog will really start to like the word “Yes!”. 

Now, go fill up your treat bag and start using your really cool new marker for (literally) the rest of your dog's life! Both humans and canines never really tire of people telling them that they did a great job and then getting a reward!

Here are a couple of examples of the application of a marker from simple to complex.

Super Simple:

Ask your dog to sit; the moment their butt hits the ground, say, “Yes!” and give them a treat! Expand this to down, touch, or stand. You get the idea….

Potential Real World Application:

Your beloved pup has become afraid of trucks. You are worried that they are going to run off the next time they hear one of those diesel engines lumbering down the road. You figure out that if they can just relax and look at you, they will be fine.

How do you communicate to them that all you want is for them to look at you and relax? That is right - TRAIN USING  A MARKER!

This is how you will help your dog, assuming you are starting from scratch.

Step 1: Charge your marker. Just say, “Yes!” and give your dog a treat!

Do this 10-15 times a session for a few days.

Step 2: Teach your dog “Watch.” Set your criteria (a fancy word for what you are looking for from your dog) as just a soft, easy look into your warm eyes.

Remember, our hope for the future is that your dog just chills and looks at you when a truck goes by. We don’t need a sit, a hard stare, or a prolonged watch; we just need our dog to make some nice, relaxed eye contact.

Step 3: Once you have your marker and your “Watch” down, hit the town! Practice this in easy places first (your living room) and make it progressively more difficult: the kitchen, out in front of your home, your local neighborhood, you get the idea! Remember, if your dog can’t perform a task in an easy environment, they will not do it in a more challenging setting!

Step 4: Begin working on your dog’s fear, slowly and carefully. Again, start easy: just play a sound of a semi truck on your phone at a soft volume and ask your dog for a “Watch.”

When your dog is successful at this task, treat them like they just figured out how to fly to the moon! Then, move gradually and slowly forward, bringing the semi noise closer and closer. With time and success, you are now ready to take your dog, some amazing treats, and your marker out into the world!

Having a marker allows us to communicate more difficult messages to our dogs. In this example, we are trying to say to our dog: "Just hang with me, look at me, and that is all you need to do when a truck passes by."

This will make both your dog and yourself feel much better as you navigate the world (trucks and all!) together.

Thanks for reading!

Meghan

CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA