03/12/2024
Markers Matter: Clarity, Timing, and Consistency in Dog Training.
Let’s talk about markers.
No fluff, no nonsense—just straight-up truth. If you’re not being deliberate and precise with your markers, you’re doing your dog (and yourself) a disservice. This isn’t just about tossing treats or saying “yes” willy-nilly—it’s about building clear communication with your dog. And if you’re working in scent detection? It’s absolutely critical.
Here’s the thing: every marker you use is information for your dog.
Whether it’s a word, a click, or even just a subtle shift in your body language, your dog is constantly reading you. And if you’re not clear about what you’re marking, you’re training confusion. Yes, dogs are brilliant, but they’re not mind-readers. It’s up to you to make the message crystal clear.
Timing: 'When' Matters More Than You Think
Markers aren’t just about saying “good job”; they’re about saying exactly what was the good job. Did your dog sniff the correct scent? Find the hide? Pinpoint it precisely? Or did you mark a moment too late and reward them for standing still, turning away, or something completely unrelated? In scent detection, where precision is everything, the tiniest delay in your timing can muddy the waters.
Your marker should happen at the exact moment your dog performs the behaviour you want. Not a second later. Not after they’ve checked back with you for reassurance. Pinpoint accuracy is the name of the game.
Consistency: Keep It Simple and Unchanging
If your markers are all over the place—sometimes it’s “yes,” sometimes it’s a click, sometimes it’s you diving into your treat bag with enthusiasm—you’re not being consistent. And inconsistency breeds uncertainty. Your dog starts guessing, and you start wondering why they’re offering behaviours you didn’t ask for.
Choose your marker, stick to it, and make sure it always means the same thing. If “yes” is your marker for success, then let it only mean that. If you’re fumbling with treats or using your voice inconsistently, you’re teaching the dog to respond to your clumsy movements instead of the behaviour you actually want to reinforce.
Clarity: Know What You’re Looking For First
Here’s the brutal truth: if you’re not clear about what you’re asking for from your dog, they don’t stand a chance. Before you even start training, decide exactly what behaviour you’re marking. This isn’t the time for “well, I’ll know it when I see it.” You should already know what you’re working towards and be ready to mark the exact moment it happens.
In scent detection, this might mean you’re marking when their nose hits the scent source, not when they glance at you afterwards or when they’ve wandered back to check in. Be precise about what success looks like, so your dog knows exactly what’s being rewarded.
Scent Work: Where Markers Really Shine (or Fail)
Scent work is the ultimate test of your marker skills. Your dog is already working hard, using their incredible nose to pinpoint a target. If you’re sloppy with your markers, you’re not just wasting their effort—you’re teaching them to second-guess themselves. And trust me, second-guessing is the last thing you want in a scent dog.
Imagine this: your dog finds the hide, nose exactly where it should be. But instead of marking the moment their nose touches the target, you hesitate. They pull back, look at you, or start offering other behaviours. Now, what are you actually rewarding? Definitely not the precision they just gave you.
The Takeaway: Your Dog Deserves Better
Your dog is putting in the effort, and they deserve the same from you. Good training isn’t about luck or guesswork—it’s about being intentional, consistent, and precise. When you use your markers properly, you’re not just building better behaviours—you’re building trust and understanding with your dog.
So, take a second. Check your timing. Be consistent. Get clear about what you’re rewarding. Because when you get it right, the results speak for themselves—and you’ll see your dog truly flourish.
Markers matter. Let’s start using them like they do
Text Taken from another site. Not my words but so true.
