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Friday, January 9, 2009
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How to Use Verbal Markers for Dog Training

By eHow Pets Editor
 
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Instructions

  • Step 1:
    Test your dogs response to a clicker before deciding to use it as your reliable marker. Some dogs are frightened by the sound of the clicking noise. If the dog is frightened by the noise he will associate it with a punishment instead of a reward. To test the clicker, place it in your pocket and click it, as this will muffle the sound.
  • Step 2:
    Choose a word to use as your marker if your dog does not respond well to the clicker or if you prefer not to purchase the clicker. "Yes" is often the verbal marker of choice of many trainers.
  • Step 3:
    Start reinforcing your marker without asking the dog to do something first. To do this, click the clicker or say your verbal marker and give the dog a treat. Repeat this several times to show the dog that the marker is a reliable indication that a treat is coming.
  • Step 4:
    Use your marker and give the dog a treat every time she displays the desired behavior. For example, if you are trying to teach your dog to sit on command, use the marker and give the treat every time you notice the dog sit.
  • Step 5:
    Add the verbal command to the training. In the example of sit, when the dog sits, say the word "Sit," then click your clicker or say "Yes" and give the dog a treat. You are teaching the dog that the word for what he is doing is sit and that is a behavior that gets rewarded.
  • Step 6:
    Repeat this several times and then start saying "Sit" before the dog actually sits, but after you notice her body language is telling you she is going to sit. Now you are teaching her that the word "Sit" precedes her sit behavior. Use your reliable marker and give the dog a treat.
How to Use Verbal Markers for Dog Training Provided by eHow.com

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