What is a Marker Word?
When training your pup, using a marker word to "mark" the second your dog does something desirable or undesirable is crucial. This technique, known as marker training, is a powerful tool in shaping your dog's behavior. By associating a specific word or sound with the exact moment your dog performs a desired action, you are effectively communicating to your pet what behavior you are rewarding or correcting. The use of a marker word, such as "yes" for positive actions or "no" for negative actions, helps to create clear and immediate feedback for your dog, making it easier for them to understand what is expected of them.
Consistency is key when implementing marker training. By consistently using the same marker word and pairing it with either a reward or correction, you are reinforcing the connection between the action and the consequence in your dog's mind. Over time, your dog will learn to associate the marker word with the behavior, making it a powerful tool for communication during training sessions.
In addition to providing clear feedback, marker training also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. By effectively communicating with your pet and providing timely feedback, you are building trust and understanding in your relationship. This positive reinforcement can lead to a more harmonious and enjoyable training experience for both you and your furry companion.
Overall, incorporating marker words into your training routine can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your training sessions and help your dog learn new behaviors more quickly and efficiently. By utilizing this simple yet powerful technique, you can set your pup up for success and strengthen your relationship with them through clear and consistent communication.
Types of Marker Words
There are multiple methods for indicating either positive or negative behavior. It is crucial to highlight that marking should be done promptly, as you have only about one second to reward or correct a dog for them to link it with the behavior being marked. Now that you know the importance of marker words, lets discuss the different ways to mark a behavior.
1. Release & Reward Markers:
This indicates that your dog has performed admirably, and you are physically rewarding him. When I say "YES," it signifies a job well done and signals that your dog can come (or go) to receive the reward. The reward may consist of food or engaging in playtime with a toy. Employing the "YES" marker word aids in boosting your dog's enthusiasm and drive for the desired behavior. You can also use opt in to use a clicker instead of "YES". The sound of the click means job is done, come get the food.
An additional illustration of a release cue is "Break". It indicates the task's completion, with freedom as the resulting reward. Having a tangible reward is not always possible and the significance of using freedom as a reward should not be underestimated. For many dogs, freedom rewards can be more motivating than rewards based on food or toys.
2.Duration Marker:
When training commands, it's important to focus on increasing the duration of commands like sit, down, or wait. While you can use "YES" to extend the duration, I prefer using a separate marker word for this purpose. This word signals to the dog that their behavior is correct and encourages them to continue. It serves as a verbal reward to motivate them to maintain their good behavior. This allows you to praise your dog for holding a stay even while you are a field away.
One key advantage of using the word "good" is being able to commend your dog and encourage them to sustain the desired behavior without becoming overly excited and potentially breaking the command. Saying "YES" can create such a strong drive for the food that the dog may be inclined to release themselves from the command, making a separate duration marker preferable.
When training, think of the distinction between using "YES" and "GOOD" in this way: praising with "good girl/boy" doesn't necessarily involve giving a treat; it's mostly about offering verbal praise or affection.
Negative Markers:
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Similar to acknowledging good behavior, it is important to also take note when undesirable behavior occurs. Training becomes unbalanced when one type of behavior (positive or negative) is acknowledged more frequently than the other. If you consistently praise good behavior but ignore bad behavior, your dog may not understand what they are doing wrong. Conversely, if negative behavior is consistently highlighted more than positive behavior, it could harm your bond with your canine companion and diminish their willingness to listen.
I use "No" as my negitive marker. This should be very unemotional, it is simply communicating that the behavior offered was incorrect and allows them to try again. There is no need to yell, or be overassertive with the "No".
I have an additional negative marker that I reserve for emergencies, such as when a potentially dangerous behavior is observed. For instance, if the dog is on the verge of running into the street or is jumping on an elderly household member. These actions pose serious risks, so this verbal cue needs to be firm and commanding. My emergency signal is "AH AH," signaling the dog to stop what they are doing immediately. It is crucial to avoid excessive use of this negative marker and to employ it only when needed.
Having understood the significance of marker words and the distinctions among them, it's time to practice with your dog and remember to enjoy the process!
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