Marker Training

A marker in dog training is a clear signal, such as a word ("Yes") or sound (clicker), that tells the dog they’ve done something correctly. It marks the exact moment the desired behavior happens and is immediately followed by a reward, helping the dog understand what behavior earns reinforcement.

Simple Version

Say “Yes” and then deliver the puppy a treat.

Say “Free” and then entice the puppy to come get the treat as you move away from them or toss the treat on the ground.

Overview

A marker (like a word or clicker) is paired with a reward through Classical Conditioning, teaching your dog to associate the sound with something positive.

Dogs have about 1 second to connect behavior with a reward. Use the marker to highlight the exact moment they do the desired behavior. Once they understand the marker predicts a reward, you can delay giving the treat—they’ll know it’s for what they did when they heard the marker.

This is the foundation of dog training. Review the videos and materials to deepen your understanding and explore Engagement Training for focus.

Free Shaping

Once your dog understands markers, you can use them to shape behaviors. See the Free Shaping handout for details.

For example, if your dog lays on their bed on their own, mark and reward it. Repeating this will encourage the behavior, as your dog learns it sometimes earns a reward.

Videos

Intro to Marker Training - Part 1

Learn about the science behind classical conditioning and how it applies to marker training.

Intro to Marker Training - Part 2

Learn about the 2 types of reward markers and how to start conditioning your dog to those sounds.

Intro to Marker Training - Part 3

Learn how to use the markers for training once the dog is conditioned to the sounds.

Take Treats Nicely

If your dog takes treats too aggressively, mouthy, or with too much teeth then you’ll want to show them how to take food calmly before teaching markers.

See this video for tips on how to do just that.

Importance of Engagement Training

Learn why it’s so important to have a dog that engages with you and understands their markers.

Reward Event

Learn how to create a whole event out of your reinforcement to build their drive and motivation to work with you.

The trainer in this video is using “Yes” as a terminal marker (reward+release), whereas I use “Free” as my terminal marker.

Marker Types

Markers should be timed exactly when the behavior happens, either to reinforce or stop it. Consistency is key, as dogs learn through patterns and predictability. Be sure your markers always predict the same outcome.

YES

A continuation marker that highlights the exact moment of the desired behavior and promises a reward is coming to the dog. It doesn’t change what the dog is doing—if they’re in a sit-stay, they stay there; if not, they’re free to move.

Free

A terminal marker that signals the exact moment of the desired behavior and releases the dog from a command. For example, it lets them get up from a sit-stay. The dog earns a treat but needs can move to get it. This is especially useful during the early stages of training new behaviors.

GOOD

A continuation marker used to let the dog know they’re doing well and should keep it up. It doesn’t guarantee a treat and acts as a form of praise. This is especially useful later in training when fading treats and reinforcing stays.

NOPE

A non-reinforcement marker used to indicate the dog made a mistake. It’s followed by removing the reward or using leash pressure to guide them back into the correct position.

OK/BREAK

A release command (not a marker) that tells the dog they’re released to do as they please. It signals the end of any obligation to stay or pay attention. There’s no reward associated with this. If the dog stays in position, you can gently encourage them to move.

How to Condition Reward Markers

Conditioning Steps

  1. Grab a handful of kibble or treats.

  2. Bring your hands close to your face, under your chin (building engagement)

  3. When the dog looks at your hand/face, say your marker word THEN move your hand and give them a treat. SPEAK THEN MOVE

  4. Alternate between hands and do clusters of the continuation marker “Yes” and terminal marker “Free”.

  5. Vary the time between marks. Start hiding your hands or moving them away from your face to mark when the dog looks at you.

  6. Repeat multiple times a day until your dog eagerly anticipates the treat after you say a marker.

  7. Mark whenever the dog does something you like (e.g., looks at you or sits), then reach for the treat and reward them.

Tips

  • Make sure you ALWAYS reward them after you say the marker and you only mark once. You are creating a pattern that after the marker sound a treat comes.

  • Remember to have fun! Break it up by giving your dog praise and pets. Move around and have them chase you after you say “Free”.

Reinforcement - Transfer of Value

Reinforcement is the #1 most important thing in training. Reinforcement builds behavior. 

See also information on the Premack Principle as that is essentially what you are doing when you transfer the value.

Reinforcement Categories

There are five types of reinforcement:

  • Attention (looking, sounds, scolding)

  • Food (treats, meals, delivery method)

  • Cues (reinforced commands)

  • Toys (tug, tossed)

  • Activities (walks, car rides, sniffing, chasing)

What are your dog's reinforcers?

  • Food - What food does your dog love? Make a list, and go crazy with it. Find out which one he loves best (it can change during their life and what is going on). 

  • Toys - make a list of toys you would love your dog to love. What would be convenient in your training if they loved these certain things? 

  • Activities - What activities does your dog love? Meeting people, chasing, sniffing, etc.

What are reinforcements your dog is getting daily that you may not want them to be getting? Barking out window, fence fighting, chewing furniture, etc. 

How Reinforcement Works

When a dog receives reinforcement, it triggers a release of dopamine in their brain, which brings them pleasure. Scientific research has demonstrated that when training with food, the mere sight of food leads to an initial dopamine release in dogs. However, if food is consistently used as a lure in training, the dopamine release diminishes over time.

In contrast, food luring does not create an addiction to training in dogs the way reinforcement-based choice learning does. Initially, there may be a dopamine release when the food lure is presented, but it quickly diminishes.

The "choice point" occurs when a dog makes a decision and can anticipate that reinforcement is on its way. This is when the dopamine release happens. That's why incorporating choice into training leads to multiple dopamine releases in dogs, and they develop a genuine enthusiasm for training. 

Transfer of Value

Understand what your dog loves and use it to enhance training. Shift the value of rewards to align with your goals, such as making tug games valuable by pairing them with food rewards. By transferring the value, you make activities your dog enjoys become reinforcement for good behavior.

Most dogs like to sniff and explore. Show them if they look at you, stop pulling, sit, etc. you’ll release them with “ok” to do sniff (or whatever they value). Soon not pulling, engaging, and sitting will feel just as good as sniffing around!

Permission

Permission is powerful in training. When all good things come from you, your dog will view you as the most valuable source of rewards. Ask for behaviors like sitting or eye contact before granting access to desired activities, making the actions leading up to the reward enjoyable for the dog.

Homework

Markers

  • Follow the steps above 2-4 times a day (preferably more). These can be brief 1-5 minute sessions. The dog should be conditioned to the markers within 2-5 days. If you aren’t seeing any reaction after saying “yes” but before moving your hand they aren’t conditioned and you may need to look at your timing.

  • Make sure to practice in multiple places. “Yes” predicts a reward in the kitchen AND outside AND everywhere else. 

  • Once conditioned, observe your dog throughout the week and mark and reward whenever you notice them giving you quiet attention or any other desirable behavior. (Free shaping)

  • If the dog jumps on you or exhibits other rude behaviors simply turn around, look away or leave. Only mark when they are doing something you like. They are just trying to figure out what gets them the treat in your hand.

  • Practice charging the marker for 30-60 seconds before your training sessions. 

Treats

  • Let your dog show you what they find most rewarding and willing to work for. This could be treats, toys, pets. Stock up on their favorites and vary the treats you use.

Positive Reinforcement

  • Your job in this early stage of training is to set your dog up to win and to prevent losses. Focus on showing your dog that learning is fun, listening is fun, and that they are really happy to be training. Use their favorite treats and reinforce them instantly when they do something you like or ask.

Praise

  • On top of conditioning them to understand that your markers “Yes” and “Free” equals a treat, consciously try to link up praises like “Good” “Good job” “Way to go,” etc. with something that makes your dog feel good. This could be pets, treats or toys.

  • This will become praise that let’s them know they are doing good, makes them feel good, but isn’t a guarantee of a reward. This tends to occur naturally but it can help to make a conscious effort.