Animal training is really about communication. Since dogs don’t speak human, we need a way to clearly tell them, “Yes! That thing you just did - I love it, please do it again!” That’s where markers come in.

A marker is a sound you use to let your pet know the exact moment they’ve done something you like, and that a reward is coming. This helps them connect the dots and learn faster. Without a marker, your dog might not understand what exactly earned them the reward.

• Choose your marker: either a clicker or a word like “yes.”
• Prepare your treats in a treat pouch or bowl.
• Keep your hands still at a neutral position - at your belly or side - no looming hands in the treat pouch!
• Use your marker, then immediately give a treat.
• Return your hand to your neutral position
• Repeat about 10 times in a row, ideally in a few different locations.
• Your dog will quickly learn that the marker means “treat is coming!”

• Clicker: A small handheld device that makes a consistent “click” sound. It’s super precise and especially helpful when teaching new behaviours.
• Verbal Marker: A word like “yes” that you say the same way each time - short and sharp. It's softer and often available - no tools required.
• Visual: When training dogs who may be deaf, consider using a visual marker, such as a thumbs-up gesture or a light turning on and off.

Tip: Even if you love using a clicker, it’s smart to teach another marker too. That way, you can always mark good behaviour - even if you’re caught without your clicker.

• You must always reinforce (with a treat) after using the marker.
• If you click or say your marker by mistake, give a treat anyway - this keeps the marker’s meaning strong.
• Use your marker + reward to reinforce behaviours you want to see more of - this will tell your animal that these behaviours are important to you and make them more likely.