When we teach our dogs a new behavior, we need a fast and effective way of telling
them that they are doing the right thing. We do this with a “marker.” We will be using a clicker ( small box like noise device) or a verbal marker (a short, distinct, one syllable word that means something wonderful is coming).
Through repetition, your dog learns that every time he hears the clicker or marker word (YES!) he gets a reward. Think of
your marker as the shutter button on a camera that is taking a picture of your dog doing the right thing. Only use your clicker or marker word when you are marking a good behavior, not for praise. Praise (“Good dog”, “Good girl”, “Nice job”) is not the same as marking a behavior.
After you “mark” you have 3 seconds to deliver a reward in order for your dog to
associate the marker and the reward, so have your treats ready. Here is a very simple procedure for “charging,” or explaining to your dog that the marker word means good things are coming:
Prepare about 50 small, high-value treats (for a medium to large dog, a regular
size hot dog or two cut into small pieces should yield more than enough)
Show your dog the treats to get his interest
Load one hand with several treats
Click the clicker or say the word “YES!” and give a treat from your hand.
Repeat 10 times–be sure to click or say “YES!” before giving the treat. Deliver
the within 3 seconds of clicking or saying “YES!”
Next Step:
Reload your hand with more treats
Mark (click or say “YES!”) and deliver a treat by dropping it on the floor. Some
dogs may need practice finding the treat on the floor. In this case, point the treat
out until they are automatically searching the floor when you drop or toss a treat
down.
Repeat this process (both delivering from your hand and dropping the treat onto
the floor), while walking around.
You will know you have completed this process when your dog startles slightly
and looks for the treat when she hears your click or marker word.
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