What Are Markers In Dog Training?
Learn more about the terminal and continuation marker, the differences between them and how you can implement them to improve communication between you and your dog.
Markers or more commonly known as “marker words” are short, succinct words used to mark the moment your dog has successfully completed the command or behaviour you were looking for - they pre-empt a reward, usually food based and allow you to specifically mark key moments to enable your dog to understand exactly what you were looking for from them.
The most popular words used are “yes” or “good” - but did you know you can really elevate your use of marker words by broadening your use when you learn how to use a terminal marker such as “yes” along with a continuation marker?
What is a terminal marker?
A terminal marker most commonly used as described above is the word “yes” - indicating that the behaviour or command is complete and that your dog is about to receive their reward. An important point to note is that the general understanding when a terminal marker is given to a dog is that the task is complete - meaning your dog may also break position or stop the behaviour they were working on to come and receive the reward.
I often see clients using their terminal marker too early when practicing commands, from too great a distance - meaning your dog will break the position to come to you for the reward. You can avoid this by only using the terminal marker when you’re happy for your dog to move out of command or, implement a continuation marker to increase duration whilst giving positive feedback!
What is a continuation marker?
A continuation marker is intended to let your dog know they’re doing a good job - but to continue and wait for the terminal marker before receiving their reward.
A popular word to use is “good” - note the difference between sounds - you want to ensure you choose a word your dog can easily differentiate between from the terminal marker to avoid any confusion.
Using a continuation marker can help hugely when training at a distance from your dog and to help you to build duration. The down stay, sit stay or heel command are perfect examples of commands where using a continuation marker can really help you to not only encourage your dog but to keep them from ending the behaviour prematurely in anticipation to receive the reward.
What is a negative marker?
A negative marker indicates that the dog has failed at completing the command or behaviour - indicating to try again or restart. Negative markers words are often “no” or “ah-ah”.
I am providing an explanation of this type of marker here for context, however for obedience training I prefer to simply ignore an incorrect attempt at a command and simply help the dog by restarting with a verbal cue such as the command itself, or if needed, help the dog with a lure.
It’s important to bear in mind that if our dogs are failing to perform a command or behaviour with a verbal prompt only, unless it is due to distraction or overstimulation, it often means you need to revisit the command from a step earlier.
Bringing back a food lure, hand signals or other prompts don’t mean a step back or failure in training - in fact, these moments are opportunities for us to learn how to communicate better with our dog.
The key to successful dog training is clear, concise communication - which is why using both a continuation and terminal marker is a communication method I highly recommend to all clients.
Need Help Unlocking This Useful Communication System?
ASCENDK9 group obedience classes and private lessons cover marker discrimination to help owners build a clear and effective communication system with their dogs.
This technique is essential in dog training, puppy training, and obedience training, as it teaches dogs to understand different markers for correct and incorrect behaviours. By implementing marker training, you’ll be able to improve your dog’s focus, responsiveness, and overall learning process.
So, if you feel a little stuck on understanding the technique or would like to learn more about utilising a marker system with your dog and puppy, this can be covered in one of our private or virtual dog training lessons to get you started!