Dog training methods:
 Don't have clicker? There are other dog training methods that are nearly as effective and can be used if you don't have a clicker handy - these are marker words. We learned in Clicker Puppy Training that we need to mark the right behaviour when training a puppy. But you won't always have a clicker handy or you might prefer not to use one. This lesson shows you how you can achieve similar results just by using a carefully chosen word to show your pup that he has done what you wanted him to do. On this page: What are marker words? Short, simple words to use that let your puppy know he's done the right thing Release words What to say when it's time to play or the exercise is over What are a marker words?A marker word is simply a short word that you use to let the dog know it's just done the right thing. You can either use it instead of using a clicker or use it to mark good behaviour when your puppy is reliably performing without the click. Marker words are simple and effective dog training methods that anybody can use when training at home. The marker word should be short and easy to say, and said in some distinctive way that is quite different from the way it might be said in ordinary speech. This is so the dog can recognise it instantly. It's the human voice equivalent of a clicker. For example, many people like to use the word Yes. Of course, this is a word we use every day. To avoid confusing the dog when we use it in ordinary conversation, in training we would say it with a drawn out 's' on the end: Yesssssss! We're not very likely to say it like that when chatting to friends or family! Another useful word to try is Good. Once again, it's a word we use often, so to make it special for the dog we might say it in a high, sing-song voice. Note that it is better to use Good on its own, not the phrase 'Good dog'. Marker words need to be quick and said in a way that's instantly recognisable. Two words or more dilutes the effect. Other people like words like 'Yay!' or 'Yippee!'. It's entirely up to you what word you choose as a marker word, as long as:
It's up to you whether you use a marker word or a clicker when training your puppy - both are excellent dog training methods. Or you can use both: use the clicker when first teaching the behaviour (eg 'sit') and use the marker word to mark the behaviour once the puppy is reliably performing properly. Marker words are easier for beginners to use and more convenient for everyday training, whereas clicker training requires a little more skill. You'll see how we use marker words or clickers in the individual training sessions listed in the left-hand menu. Check out Clicker Puppy Training to find out how to use a clicker properly. The proper use of marker words or clickers is one of the best free puppy training tips you can learn. Click/mark and rewardWhen you teach your dog something new, always remember these puppy training tips: click/mark and reward. That is, use your clicker or marker word and immediately reward your dog. It takes a little practice to get the timing right but once you've worked through some of the lessons on this website, you'll be using these dog training methods to train your puppy like a professional! Release wordsRelease words also belong in our list of essential dog training methods. They literally release your dog from whatever task or exercise he was performing. For example, you might ask him to sit and wait while you put his food down in front of him. Then you would use a release word to let him know it's OK to go for the food bowl now. Or you might ask him to sit and wait while you open a door or gate. The dog should then maintain that position until you give a release word. Release words can also be used at the end of a training session to let the dog know that hard work is over and he can go and play now. Like the marker words we described earlier in these dog training methods, release words should be short and snappy. Many people simply say Okay!, others say Release or Free. Once again, it's up to you! Just make sure it's not the same as, or similar to, your marker word. More training at PuppyPrimer.comReturn to the top of Dog Training Methods: Marker Words Go back to How to Train a Puppy |
