I have recently run into a number of people who have absolutely refused to use a marker signal while training their dogs. Just what exactly is a marker signal you ask? There are three types of marker signals: a reward marker, a no reward marker and a punishment marker.

A reward marker is a sound or word that signals to the dog that he has just done what behavior is desired and that a reward is forthcoming. It is important to note that the dog's reward is not the same as the reward marker. Rewards can be praise, treats, play, or anything that the dog finds rewarding. Failure to reward after the reward marker diminishes the value of the reward marker and makes training more difficult.

Some people use a verbal marker; that is a word that “marks” the moment that the dog has done the desired behavior. Many trainers use the word “yes”. Others, like me, use a mechanical device called a clicker. I like the “click” because it is unique and novel and stands out. The problem with a verbal marker, I find, is that novice trainers, in their enthusiasm, often use it incorrectly. The dog performs the correct behavior and their owner says “yes, yes, YES”. Which one of the “yes’s” informs the dog?

A punishment marker signals that dog has just done something that displeases you and a punisher is forthcoming. For example, the dog jumps on you and you say “time out” which means the dog will be put on a tether for 30 seconds.

A no reward marker is something used less frequently. It signals that the behavior is incorrect and encourages the dog to try again. I will use a no reward marker when I am doing a free shaping session with my dog, Lincoln. If I were trying to teach her to wave her paw and she was offering me bows instead, I would say “go ahead”, our word for her to keep trying.

Fundamentally, dog training is about communication. From the human perspective, the handler is communicating to the dog what behaviors are correct, desired, or preferred in what circumstances and what behaviors are undesirable. Using consistent signals or words for these messages enables the dog to understand them more quickly.

Imagine trying to learn a skill from someone who doesn’t speak your language and you’ll be able to understand what it might be like to be a dog. I figure that anyway that I can help my dog to learn is worth the extra effort.