Mark Dog’s Behavior with a Word or Clicker
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by Diane - Online Dog Coach, Hoppin' in the Hills & Suzy - Online Dog Coach
A “Mark” word is used to tell the dog immediately that he has done exactly what you asked of him. A word like YES is an excellent choice as a verbal marker. It’s short, quick, and can be upbeat. Many people use a clicker designed exclusively for this purpose.
The theory behind the “Mark” word or clicker is to issue the command, then when the dog performs it to your liking, “mark-click” at that instance, treat or praise immediately. When your timing is quick the dog should associate the “mark” with his performance and want to repeat that performance knowing the treat is coming. You can also use this technique when shaping a dog’s actions. You do not always have to “command” the dog. You can wait until he does the action, “mark”, treat and eventually name it.
The clicker is used in the initial stages of training a new behavior. Research shows that the use of a clicker gets better results than using a word – possibly because it is more consistent than a word, which changes with your emotions.Once the dog knows the behavior and performs it consistently, the clicker is no longer used. Karen Pryor writes, “The word “yes” was as good as a click for maintaining the behavior once the dog already knew what to do. It was only when the dog was trying to figure out what worked that the click displayed its power.” You might get it out again to teach the dog to perform the behavior more accurately or quickly, or when training a new trick or behavior. (See Click v.s. Voice by Karen Pryor)
Many people use a verbal marker in agility training and competition rally training because the handler is allowed to speak to the dog in the ring. It’s easy to say “YES” at the appropriate time. In the competition obedience ring, there is no speaking unless issuing the command. However, when training either the clicker or a verbal mark can be used. Dogs respond positively to an upbeat approval of their performance. All they want to do is please us so telling them enhances the relationship and strengthens the teamwork.
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About the Author
Diane has professionally trained dogs in obedience, agility, and freestyle dog dancing for more than 20 years in Florida and Colorado. Her dogs have competed and have earned titles in AKC and NADAC agility, Obedience, and Flyball.