The Marker System In Dog training- why and how?

If you ever book a training package with us, you’ll likely be quickly shown how to use a “marker system” in your training from the very beginning of the consultation. We use markers in our training here at Rehab Your Rescue to keep training sessions precise and provide clarity to our dogs. If you’ve never heard of using a marker in training before, here’s a quick breakdown of why we use them, and how to get started with using them in your training.

What is a marker?

A marker, also known in the training world as a bridge signal, is an auditory, visual, or tactile cue to a dog that indicates “reinforcement is coming.” Unless you have a dog that is vision or hearing impaired, the most common markers are sounds, like the click of a clicker, or a specific word like “yes” or “good.” It’s referred to as a bridge signal because it “bridges” the gap between the moment in time that you’re wanting to pinpoint, and the reinforcement that comes afterwards. For example, if you’re training your dog to sit, you would mark the very moment in time that his butt hit the ground with your marker, and then would reach into your treat pouch and pull out a piece of chicken to feed. Dogs are very “in the moment” thinkers, so if your reinforcement is delivered to them multiple seconds after the desired behavior, it may not be clear to them what exactly they’re being reinforced for. In a nutshell, a marker buys you time to pinpoint the desired moment in time and the amount of time it takes you to give a treat to your dog.

Unless you have a dog that is vision or hearing impaired, the most common markers are sounds, like the click of a clicker, or a specific word like “yes” or “good.”

Aside from special circumstances, we usually leave it up to the handler to decide what marker they would like to use with their dogs. Some people prefer to use a clicker, which allows you to be precise and deliver a consistent “click” every time your dog does the behavior you’re looking for. Many others prefer to use a verbal marker like “yes” to mark behaviors, as it frees up your hands, and you can’t forget your voice at home! Both have advantages and disadvantages, so consider what your strengths and weaknesses are in training and determine which marker signal is right for your needs. What must be the same, no matter the marker you choose, is that you MUST follow every marker with a reward, or the signal loses its value and efficacy. The marker work or click is a promise, and cannot be used effectively without following up with a reward each time the dog hears it.

How to start using a marker in your training

Before you start using your marker word consistently, it may be helpful to first spend some time “charging” the marker word or clicker. This is usually a pretty fast process, and often only takes 1-2 sessions to teach the dog enough to start using. Start by filling a treat pouch with training treats for your dog- the type of treat can very depending on your dog’s diet and preferences. We use chicken, commercially made training treats, hot dog, cheese, etc. Then, in a low-distraction environment (hanging out in your living room usually works well), spend 3-5 minutes just simply saying your marker cue or clicking your clicker, and following each marker with a treat. Your dog does not have to do anything, and can be sitting, standing, laying down, etc. All that matters is the association being built that the sound of the marker predicts a reward. Marker, treat. Marker, treat.

Spend 3-5 minutes just simply saying your marker cue or clicking your clicker, and following each marker with a treat.

Once you’ve charged the marker word with your dog, try practicing your own timing before using it in a training session. It takes some practice to get your timing precise! Try clicking your clicker or saying your marker word while you watch TV each time an actor blinks. Drop a bouncy ball and click your clicker or say your marker word each time the ball hits the ground. You may feel silly, but when you start using this marker in your training, you’ll be surprised at how accurate your timing is!

Once you’ve chosen a marker word, charged it with your dog, and practiced with your own timing, you’re ready to start training! Use your marker any time you want to pinpoint a good decision, or a specific behavior you’re working to in your training session. Happy training!