Markers are an excellent way to bring dog training to a whole new level. Using markers will increase communication, comprehension, and retention. And because communication has been increased, your dog will enjoy training.
At Infinite Dog Training LLC, your dog will be trained using marker words. For an introduction about the concept of markers, be sure to read an earlier post titled, Does Your Dog Know How to Learn? It is important to understand markers so you can continue to use them at home. This easy to use (once mastered) dog training skill will mean the difference between a dog who forgets his training and a dog who retains his training. Not only that but you will be able to train new behaviors since the markers will be “loaded.” Read on to learn more.
Because communication has been increased, your dog will enjoy training.
Loading refers to creating a direct association with a marker word. For instance, when the word “yes” is always paired with a treat, then this marker is loaded. To know for sure if this marker has been loaded, check to see if your dog’s pupils dilate when you use the marker. Does he get excited and look for where the treat is? When the marker has become loaded, it can be used right in the moment your dog has performed a desired behavior. In this way, you have marked the behavior as correct. Additionally, your dog’s reaction to a loaded marker becomes a physiological reaction of pleasure, by this I mean his nervous system, brain, & emotions will respond to the marker the same way it responds to receiving the treat. So using the “yes” marker creates a positive association to any behavior that is occurring when the marker is used.
Take a look at the following table which summarizes four different markers and how they are used:
As you can see, we use a total of four markers. The two markers on either end of the table are loaded. The “yes” marker is loaded with a reward and the “no” marker is loaded with a correction. The middle markers of “good” and “uh-uh” are considered bridge markers because they are not loaded but still give your dog information and help direct him to success.
Teaching a down stay is a perfect place to introduce the markers. You can start by coaxing your dog into a down with a treat and maybe some leash guidance. Once he touches his front elbows on the ground (and his butt is down) say “yes” and give him the treat. You can then help him to stay in the down with the leash and tell him “good” and one second later say “yes” and give him another treat. He will quickly learn that the “good” marker leads to the “yes” marker. You can also add in “uh-uh” if he tries to get up (but prevent him with the leash), he will quickly learn that the “uh-uh” marker means he is moving away from reaching the “yes” marker. In just a few minutes you have used these three markers many times and he will become familiar with them. The “no” marker paired with a correction will not be used until he completely understands the down stay.
Markers are best used without any other words of praise or talking. The markers need to stand out and not be mixed with other words. When you give your dog a break from the down stay by releasing him with “okay” or “free” then you can praise and pet him. The release word is almost like a marker but not quite. It means he is done.
These markers can be used any time you are teaching your dog something new, expanding on something he already knows, or even just to give him guidance around the house or out in public. The “yes” and “no” markers that require loading, may still be effective markers even without being paired with a treat (or toy) or correction. But the association will eventually wear off and they will no longer be loaded. If you need to give your dog input and are unable to give him a treat reward or correction then just use the bridge markers instead.