Does Your Dog Know How to Learn?

Does your dog know how to learn? I don’t mean training your dog, I mean creating the skill within your dog that makes training easier.

Have you ever played the warm, hot, cold, freezing game? This is where you pick an object in a room and your friend picks it out by you saying they are getting warmer or colder as they moved around the room. And if they are really close, you say they are hot; and if they are really far away, you say they are freezing. Even if you haven’t played this game can you imagine it?

In this game, four words are used; warm, hot, cold, & freezing. In dog training we refer to these words as “markers.” And they are an excellent way to direct your dog into a new behavior you are teaching. When I train a dog, the first thing I teach them are the markers. The markers are the basis through which everything else is taught. Some rules go with the use of markers such as the hot marker is always paired with something that motivates your dog such as a treat. The freezing marker is always paired with an aversive which is something your dog does not like, such as withholding the treat.

And the warm and cold markers are considered “bridge” markers because they lead to the hot and freezing markers. Think of it this way; in the game referenced above, if you are getting colder because you move toward the corner of the room then you are going to turn around and go to where it is warmer. Alternatively, if you are getting warmer moving toward the door then you are going to continue moving toward the door. The only thing associated with the bridge markers is the clue that you are getting closer to receiving the hot or closer to receiving the freezing markers. This means you have the option of changing direction or problem solving as a result of the input from the bridge markers. Consequently, your dog can avoid the aversive and move closer to receiving the treat simply by following the clues given with the bridge markers.

I often get asked, “won’t the training wear off?” or “will my dog only obey you and not me?” These are valid questions, but with enough time with your dog, I should have inspired him to enjoy learning through the use of the markers. Additionally, when your dog has been trained by a trainer that teaches him how to learn, you will know it! There is a distinct difference with dogs that have been trained with an emphasis on the use of markers. They are more tuned in, more focused, confident about problem solving, and eager to learn.

If you would like to learn more about the use of markers in dog training, search about “operant conditioning.”