Now that you know how to use the Positive Interrupter to redirect your dog when they are trying their best to get into trouble, there are two more things your dog HAS to know:
1) What the marker means
2) Their name!
The Marker
A marker is any sound we use to “mark” our dogs when they do the right thing. This can be a clicker, a work (I like to use “yes!”) or any other noise that you can do consistently to communicate with your dog. 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.” I usually use 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:
1)Mark your dog with the clicker or word “YES!” and give a treat from your hand.
2)Repeat 10 times–be sure to click or say “YES!” before giving the treat. Deliver the within 3 seconds of clicking or saying “YES!”
The Name Game
After charging your marker, you need to teach your dog their name! This is the foundation for teaching your dog to “come when called” and the best way to get their attention! I’m sure your dog sorta, kinda knows their name. That’s great! The Name Game just takes things up a notch and really makes sure they associate their name with good things.
1)Have several treats ready in your hand. Stand in front of your dog.
2) Say your dog’s name in an upbeat happy way. Deliver the treat immediately. Work fast! Use a high rate of reinforcement.
We are not clicking and treating; we are just conditioning a good association with your dog’s name.
3) Repeat several times each day for the next couple of weeks, for about a minute each session.
We want to associate your dog’s name with good things! If you use their name to scold them or before you do something unpleasant, they probably won’t listen when you say it.