Marker Training: A Communication Bridge

Marker training is a method that helps you clearly communicate to your dog when they’ve done something right. Think of it as creating a bridge between the behavior you want and the reward that follows. A marker (like a clicker sound or the word “Yes!”) tells your dog, “That’s it—you nailed it!” It’s an instant signal that a reward is coming, making learning faster and more precise for your dog.

For example, if you’re teaching a sit, you’d use your marker exactly when your dog’s rear hits the ground, then follow it up with a treat. Over time, this teaches your dog that sitting when asked leads to good things. Marker training builds clarity and consistency—two crucial ingredients for learning.