05/25/2023
MARKER WORDS :)
A marker word is one of my favorite things to teach any dog. It's super simple to teach and can benefit practically every dog. I use it for a multitude of things for example, it can double as a form of recall, helps POSITIVELY interrupt any reactive behavior, helps keep your dog engaged in distracting environments, etc., the list goes on. This is how to teach it.
1. Start IN YOUR HOME. You want to start in the least distracting environment possible.
2. Get your dogs kibble and or treats and simply say the word "yes" then feed AFTER you finished saying the marker word. Key word is AFTER make sure to have a slight pause between saying the word and actually feeding your pup.
3. As you notice your dog starts understanding that "yes" means food is coming slowly add in small distractions. You can start practicing at the door, then just a few steps outside, then out on a walk, then in new environments. I really want to emphasize adding distractions SLOWLY.
4. Avoid saying your marker word when you aren't able to pay your pup. Every time you say your marker word your pup should think that they are about to get paid.
Finally, even after your dog has got the hang of it, continue to practice it here and there to keep the skill sharp.