What is marker training?

Marker training means using a sound (a click using a clicker tool, or a verbal word such as "Yes") to communicate with your dog that it done something right or wrong - it is a tool for providing specific feedback. Markers have been in use for more than forty years.

How does it work?

It is really simple. First we teach the dog that the 'mark' means he has won a treat. Then we use the chosen sound to tell the dog when he has done something we like.

Essentially: When your dog does what you want him to do - like a sit or a down or place - you mark it and give him a treat. This gives your dog instant, specific feedback.

You can tell a child you will take him out for ice cream tomorrow because he earned good grades today. A dog, on the other hand, needs immediate pointers to help him understand what behavior he is being rewarded for. A 'marker' or 'mark' is the perfect tool for this.

Charging the Mark.
Or defining it for your dog

Grab a handful of really yummy treats cut into small pieces.

Every time you say "Yes", give your dog a treat (be careful not to 'mark' and treat at the same time; the treat must follow the click, not precede or coincide with it) - watch the Lilith - Yes Marker video below.

Do this standing up, sitting down, while moving about, indoors, outdoors. Basically, make sure your dog understands that the Yesmark' means treat in all situations.

Do the exercise a few times a day for a few minutes at a time until, when you use the 'mark', you notice that your dog is eagerly anticipating the treat.

Don’t give away that a treat is coming except with the 'mark'. For example, be careful not to reach for a treat, then 'mark', or reach toward him with the treat before the 'mark'. Train yourself to insert a count or a word before you hand over the treat: 'Click' or "Yes". One one thousand. Treat.

Marker rules.

'Mark' only once.

If you 'mark' you must treat.

Don’t use it to call your dog to you or as an attention sound.