What is Marker Training?
Marker training, also known as clicker training, is a training method that uses a distinct sound, such as the click of a clicker, or words like Yes and No, to mark a desired behavior both good or bad. The marker serves as a signal to the dog that they have done something right and that a reward is coming, or that they have done something wrong and that a correction is coming.
The process of conditioning a marker using all four quadrants of operant conditioning begins with the sound of the marker being neutral to the dog, meaning the sound doesn’t hold any significance to the dog. The four quadrants of operant conditioning are positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment.
- Positive reinforcement: To condition a marker using positive reinforcement, the sound of the marker is paired with a primary reinforcer, such as a treat or a toy. When the dog performs a desired behavior, the marker sound is immediately followed by the primary reinforcer. This pairing helps the dog to associate the sound of the marker with the reward.
- Negative reinforcement: Negative reinforcement is the removal of an aversive stimulus when the desired behavior is performed. To condition a marker using negative reinforcement, the sound of the marker is paired with the removal of an aversive stimulus, such as a leash pressure. When the dog performs a desired behavior, the marker sound is followed by the removal of the leash pressure, making it more likely that the dog will repeat the behavior.
- Positive punishment: Positive punishment is the addition of an aversive stimulus when an undesired behavior is performed. To condition a marker using positive punishment, the sound of the marker is paired with an aversive stimulus, such as a squirt of water. When the dog performs an undesired behavior, the marker sound is followed by the squirt of water, which decreases the likelihood of the dog repeating the behavior.
- Negative punishment: Negative punishment is the removal of a desired stimulus when an undesired behavior is performed. To condition a marker using negative punishment, the sound of the marker is paired with the removal of a desired stimulus, such as a toy. When the dog performs an undesired behavior, the marker sound is followed by the removal of the toy, which decreases the likelihood of the dog repeating the behavior.
The advantage of using marker training is that it allows for precise timing and clarity in communication with the dog. The sound of the marker serves as a “bridge” between the behavior and the reward or correction, making it clear to the dog which behavior is being rewarded or corrected.
Additionally, because marker training promotes the dog to make a choice, it encourages the dog to choose desired behaviors vs undesired behaviors.
Overall, marker training can be a highly effective and humane training method for creating new and modifying old dog behavior. It does require some practice and consistency on the part of the trainer, but the results can be highly rewarding for both the dog and the trainer.
