06/06/2026
Training with Zephyr - a young Working Cocker Spaniel who can easily become distracted by interesting scents.
Tom is working on Zephyr's engagement using positive reinforcement (mark and reward). Zephyr doesn't get his reward until he makes eye contact (engagement). Tom then uses the marker word "yes!".
This encourages Zephyr to focus on his trainer and teaches him that "yes!" means that he has done something right and will receive a reward. He is then more likely to repeat the desired behaviour.
