Dog Training/Marker System Basics

Effective dog training should begin with a communication system.  Dogs, unfortunately, speak body language fluently whilst our preference is the use of words.  I would like to start with definitions so you and I are on the “same page”.

DEFINITIONS:

The desire to pursue.

a.)  Prey Drive:  The desire to chase, obtain and retain.

b.)  Food Drive:  The desire for food, independant of appetite.

c.)  Pack Drive:  The desire to be part of a team.

d.)  Hunt Drive:  The desire to search.

Marker/Clicker:   word or a sound that is used to isolate a moment in time

Treat:  a motivator for the dog (what the dog wants and is willing to work for)

Toy:  An object that can be used as a reward for the dog (a motivator)

TRAINING WORDS

Ready:  word that tells the dog that training is starting

Yes:  word that isolates a moment in time.  Use of this word equals a treat. This word or sound (click) releases the dog from the position or from focus

Good:  word that gives feedback to the dog, “I like what you’re doing, keep going”, initially paired with a treat. This word does not release the dog from the position or focus

Nope:  said without emotion, giving feedback to the dog that “what you are doing is not the right answer”, try again.

No:  correction word, usually followed by a physical cue

All Done:  word to tell the dog that the training session is done

Our training system is based in operant conditioning, a proven science  for animal training, made popular with the likes of  Pavlov, Michael Ellis, Karen Pryor, and Gary Wilkes.  The “Motivator” (food, toy) is paired with the mark (yes), which encourages the dog to repeat what caused us to give him the treat.  This method creates a willing participant with an upbeat attitiude.  The greatest benefit of training in this way is that the dog’s mind ”stays open” and engaged.  This engagement is absolutely necessary before learning can occur in any subject, humans included.