Marker Training
Notes:
- Requires a hungry dog (don’t feed before training), if using food rewards.
- Requires a bored dog (kenneling for 2 hours before the training session is recommended), if using toy, play,
or praise & affection rewards.
- Remember that you can mix the types of rewards/reinforcers you use!
For an excellent video on marker training by master trainer Mike Ellis, check out this link(you can skip the first 3
minutes if you wish!): Michael Ellis on Marker Training
Here's a GREAT video of common mistakes in marker training!
More Videos:
Marker Training for Humans
For something REALLY CRAZY - marker training a goldfish
And some great fish tricks after mastering marker training...if a fish could do it...couldn't your dog?
What is marker training and how does it work?
Marker training uses positive reinforcement to link or “bridge” a dog’s behavior with a reward:
1. The sound of the marker (click, or ‘yes!’ etc) communicates to the dog that he has performed a desired
behavior and that a reward is coming.
2. Timing is very important. Make sure you are communicating clearly with your dog by marking the EXACT
desired behavior.
3. The delivery of the reward is equally important. The reward should magically appear.
a. Don’t bribe your dog by showing the reward before the task.
b. Hide your treats using a bait pouch.
c. Hide your toys by wearing a vest, ball pouch, or hiding a tug behind your back in your belt, etc.
d. Don’t reach for the reward before you mark the behavior. There should be a very short lag time between
the marker and the delivery.
e. Vary the delivery by changing hands, tossing vs. bouncing a ball, etc.
4. A reward is ANYTHING that has high value to the dog. We will start with treats, and gradually vary rewards
(treats, toys, praise) according to the dog’s value system.
a. Just because YOU think something should be rewarding, doesn’t mean the dog agrees.
b. Treats should be tiny bits of food that are soft and easy to chew and swallow. (Bits of hotdog, chicken,
cheese, steak, oft store bought treats, etc.)
c. Treats should be broken up and no larger than the first knuckle of your pinky finger.
d. Favorite toys should be reserved for training only.
5. Leave the dog wanting more! The marker training session should end on a successful exercise while your
dog is still motivated and wanting to work.
What marker training is NOT:
Marker training is not a bribery or coercion system. In fact, we are letting the dog use his problem solving skills
to associate a command with a behavior that EARNS him a reward.