Why your dog needs a marker word

One of the biggest difficulties most people have when training is getting their dog to do anything without a treat right in front of them. Often when you’re teaching your dog a new behaviour you’ll show them what you want with a treat. But then how do you get rid of that treat? It’s completely impractical to have a treat in your hand every time you ask your dog to come back when you call them or you want them to walk calmly on-lead. That’s where a marker word comes in…

The benefits of a marker word

Timing is an essential part of dog training. Whatever you’re doing when you give your dog a treat is what they’ll think they’re being rewarded for. So if it takes a while to get a treat out of your treat pouch and your dog has moved in that time you’ll be rewarding them for the wrong behaviour. So you always need to have a treat in your hand ready. And you can’t reward your dog for anything unless they’re right in front of you. Any good behaviours they do when they’re across the room or on the other side of the park won’t get rewarded.

But a marker word solves both those problems. When you say your dog’s marker word you’re telling them ‘good job’ and that a treat is coming. Whenever your dog does something you want them to repeat, say their marker word (they don’t even have to be looking at you or paying you any attention). Then you’ve got time to go get a treat from your treat pouch or out of a packet to give to your dog. Your dog knows what they’re getting rewarded for, even if you’re 20 metres away from them or busy cooking, carrying your shopping into the house or picking up a poo.

Choosing your dog’s marker word

A marker word should be something your dog only hears when they’ve got something right and you’re giving them a treat. So you’ll want to choose a word you don’t say all the time. But equally it needs to feel natural to you - you’re going to be saying it A LOT. Choose a short word so you can say it exactly when your dog does what you want. If it’s too long your dog might have moved and they won’t know what you’re rewarding.

‘Yes’ and ‘Good’ are common marker words but you can choose anything you like. My dog’s marker word is ‘Ace’, but you could use ‘OK’, ‘Nice’, ‘Fab’ or literally any one-syllable word. It doesn’t need to be in English - dog’s don’t care what language we use. So you could use any word that feels right in any language you speak.

You don’t even need to use a word. Clickers are used exactly the same way. But they can be fiddly. When you’re holding a lead, treats and sometimes toys you don’t often have a free hand to use a clicker. The other downside of a clicker is that you actually need to have it on you. If you forget it when you go out for a walk or even if it’s on the other side of the room you can’t use it. If you or your dog are deaf you can give your dog a thumbs up or flash a small light instead.

Teaching your dog their marker word

This is honestly the easiest thing you’ll ever teach your dog. All you’re doing is teaching your dog that every time they hear their marker word they’re going to get a treat. And the way you do that is just to say their marker word and then give them a treat. Do that 5-10 times 2-3 times a day for a few days. And eventually your dog will start looking at you when they hear their marker word expecting a treat. And that’s it, your dog knows their marker word. I told you it was easy…

Training with your dog’s marker word

Once your dog’s learnt their marker word you can use it in training. If you can, start by practising with anything your dog knows, even if that’s just their name. Say your dog’s cue word, then when they do what you’ve asked them, say their marker word and give them a treat. Knowing when to say your dog’s cue and their marker word and when to give them their treat can be confusing at first. So it’s helpful to start with something your dog already knows.

But don’t worry if you haven’t yet done any training with your dog. Marker words are amazing for teaching new skills. You’ll encourage your dog to do the behaviour you want (often by using a treat to lead them into the right position) then when they do what you’re asking them, you’ll say your marker word and give them a treat. Then once your dog understands what to do, you can stop holding the treat in your hand and just ask them for the behaviour, then say your marker word and get a treat out of your treat pouch to reward your dog.

Need more support with your dog’s training?

You can get personalised support to teach your dog all the skills they’ll need for your life together with the Your Adaptable Companion 1-2-1 dog training programme.

Written by Juniper Indigo, dog trainer in Tiverton and Exeter