Module 1: What Is Marker Training?
Utilizing Markers in Dog Training allows us to be more precise with our timing, placement and delivery of reward or punishment which adds clarity for the dog.
Without a Marker, you’d need to reward or punish the dog within 1-2 seconds of the behavior occurring, which is nearly impossible if your dog isn’t right next to you.
Markers also result in faster learning for the dog because you can pinpoint the exact behavior you’re rewarding or punishing.
Utilizing Markers also aids in fading lures and helps prevent relying on food rewards as bribery. When using Markers, you don’t need to televise the reward, keep it in the treat pouch until you Mark and then go into your pouch to reward the dog! You can also use Marker Training with other techniques such as Free Shaping, Direct vs. Indirect Reward, etc.!