Markers; A common language with your dog!

Understanding Our Marker System: How We Communicate Clearly with Your Dog at Day School

At our dog training day school, communication is everything. One of the most powerful tools we use to build clear communication with dogs is our marker system. Whether your dog is learning the basics or fine-tuning advanced skills, markers help us communicate quickly and clearly in a way your dog understands.

So, what exactly is a marker system, and why is it so effective?

What Is a Marker?

A marker is a word or sound captures a specific moment in training. It acts like a bridge between the behaviour your dog offers and what comes next (reward, try again...). When used consistently, markers help dogs learn faster and more confidently because they understand exactly what behaviour earned them the reward.

Think of it as taking a snapshot of the moment your dog does the right thing — sit, come, walk nicely, leave it, or anything else we’re working on.

Types of Markers We Use

At our day school, we use a structured marker system with different words to indicate different outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of what your dog hears and what it means for them:

✅ “Yes! or Clicker" - Terminal Marker

  • Meaning: “You did the right thing — come get your reward!”

  • Use: This is our primary marker for reinforcing behavior. It means the dog performed the correct behavior and is now free to move to us for their reward.

  • Example: Your dog sits when asked. We say “Yes!” and reward them when they get to us.

🕒 “Good” – The Duration Marker

  • Meaning: “Keep doing what you're doing — a reward is coming.”

  • Use: This marker encourages dogs to maintain a behavior, like holding a sit, staying on place, or walking politely next to a handler.

  • Example: Your dog is lying calmly on a mat. We say “Good” to let them know they’re doing great and to keep it up.

❌  “Uh-uh” – The Reset Marker

  • Meaning: “That wasn’t quite right — let’s try again.”

  • Use: This isn’t a punishment, but a gentle way to let the dog know they didn’t earn a reward for that repetition.

  • Example: You ask for a sit, and your dog lies down instead. We say “Uh-uh” and give them another chance to get it right.

❌  "NO" - Don't do that

  • Meaning: “That is wrong - don't do that again”

  • Use: Behaviours that we are working towards eliminating.

  • Example: Your dog puts the paws on the counter. We say "NO" and follow through by guiding the dog off the counter.

Why We Use a Marker System

Dogs are always learning, and timing is everything. Markers allow us to communicate instantly, reducing confusion and speeding up the learning process. They also:

  • Help your dog feel successful and confident

  • Build a stronger bond between trainers (and eventually owners!) and dogs

  • Reduce frustration for both dogs and humans

  • Create a more consistent training experience from school to home

How You Can Use Markers at Home

Once your dog learns the marker system at school, you can use the same language at home to reinforce their training. We’ll guide you through what your dog has learned and how to use markers during our group classes and homework videos, so you feel confident continuing the work we’ve started.

Final Thoughts

Using a marker system is one of the most humane and effective ways to train dogs. It makes learning clear, positive, and fun for your pup — and helps us build the foundation for a well-mannered, happy dog who understands what’s expected.

If you have any questions about the markers we’re using with your dog, or how to use them at home, feel free to reach out or ask at pick-up! We love helping pet parents feel as empowered as their dogs.

 

Back to blog