Marker Word
"Yes!"
In dog training, the marker word "yes" is a verbal cue used to signal to the dog that they have performed a desired behavior correctly and that a reward is coming. It functions similarly to a clicker in clicker training.
While phrases like “good boy/girl” are used as praise or part of the reward, helping to build a positive emotional bond and reinforce the dog’s success, but they’re not as sharp or specific in timing as a marker word “yes”.
Example: So, "yes" (the marker) lets the dog know they did the right thing, while "good boy/girl" (the reward) helps them feel happy and encouraged about it.
How It Works:
- Timing: The marker word must be given at the exact moment (within 1 second) the dog performs the correct behavior. This helps the dog understand what they are being rewarded for.
- Positive Association: The word "yes" is always followed by a reward (treat, praise, or play) so the dog learns to associate it with something positive.
- Clear Communication: It serves as a bridge between the action and the reward, reinforcing good behavior effectively.
Release Words
Options: "Okay", "Free", "Break", or "Release"
In dog training, release words are cues that signal to your dog that they are free to break from a command or position, such as sit, wait, stay, down, and even to begin walking. A release word tells the dog that they are no longer required to hold the command and can move freely.
Training Methods
Using a Lure/Luring
In dog training, "luring" is a technique where you use a treat or toy to guide a dog into a desired position or movement. This method helps the dog understand what you want them to do by following the reward. This will eventually turn into a hand signal.
For example, if you’ve been luring a sit by moving a treat from their nose up over their head, that same upward motion of your empty hand can become the hand signal for "sit."
Shaping
In dog training, "shaping" refers to a technique used to teach a dog a new behavior by reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior. Essentially, it involves breaking down the behavior into smaller, manageable steps and rewarding the dog for each step that gets closer to the final goal.
Here's how shaping works:
- Start with the dog’s current behavior: Identify something the dog is already doing that is somewhat related to the desired behavior.
- Reinforce approximations: Gradually reward the dog for any action that brings them closer to the final behavior, even if it's just a small step! For example, if you're teaching a dog to roll over, you might start by rewarding the dog when it lies down on its side, then progress to rewarding it when it begins to roll, and finally reward the full roll-over.
- Gradual refinement: As the dog gets better at each step, you stop rewarding earlier approximations and only reward closer approximations to the final behavior, eventually leading to the full desired behavior.
Shaping is especially effective because it allows you to teach complex behaviors that a dog might not naturally offer all at once. It also keeps the dog motivated and engaged by offering frequent, achievable rewards throughout the process.
Capturing
In dog training, "capturing" refers to a positive reinforcement technique where you wait for your dog to naturally perform a desired behavior and then mark, and reward it.
Instead of luring or prompting the behavior, you simply observe and "capture" it by marking (with the verbal cue "yes!") and rewarding it with treats, praise, or play.
For example, if you want to teach your dog to sit using capturing, you would wait for the dog to sit on its own, then immediately mark and reward the behavior. Over time, your dog will associate sitting with receiving a reward and will be more likely to do it intentionally.
Methods and Techniques for Correcting Unwanted Behaviors
Interrupt and Redirect
Is a proactive and positive way of teaching your dog what you do want them to do, rather than focusing solely on what you don’t want. It helps shape good habits and fosters a strong, trusting relationship with your dog.This method helps prevent the dog from continuing a behavior that you want to discourage while also giving them an alternative action to perform. It’s particularly useful in situations where the dog is engaging in problematic behaviors like excessive barking, jumping, or chewing on inappropriate items.
- How it Works:
- Interrupt the Undesirable Behavior: The first step is to interrupt the dog's current behavior. This could be done using a verbal cue, a noise, or a sound that grabs their attention. Common interrupters are sounds like "Ah-uh!" or "Oops!" or even a sharp clap. Sometimes the interrupt can be as simple as calling the dogs name. The key here is to get the dog's attention without frightening them or causing stress. The interruption should happen immediately as the undesired behavior begins, and the redirection should follow swiftly. Delayed responses can confuse the dog!
2. Redirect to a Positive Alternative: Once you've interrupted the undesirable behavior, the next step is to quickly offer a positive and acceptable alternative. This could be asking the dog to sit, lie down, or perform any other behavior that you want to reinforce. You want to redirect them to a behavior that you can reward and that aligns with your training goals.
- Example: After interrupting the jumping behavior, you can immediately ask the dog to sit and reward them for sitting calmly. This teaches the dog that sitting (a calm behavior) gets rewarded, while jumping (an undesirable behavior) does not.
Examples of Interrupt and Redirect:
- Barking at the Door: If your dog is barking excessively when someone comes to the door, you would interrupt the barking with a cue (e.g., "Quiet!"), then immediately ask the dog to "sit" or "go to your bed." Once they comply, reward them with praise or a treat.
- Chewing on Furniture: If your dog is chewing on furniture or something they shouldn’t have, interrupt the behavior with a quick "Leave it" or “drop it”, then offer them an appropriate chew toy. When they start chewing the toy, mark “yes!” and reward them with praise.
- Pulling on the Leash: If your dog is pulling while walking, you should stop walking (interrupt the behavior), wait for them to release the tension on the leash, and then redirect them by starting to walk again, marking “yes!” and rewarding them with praise when they walk nicely.
Take-Away
The "take away" method in dog training, also known as negative punishment, involves removing something the dog values as a consequence of undesirable behavior.
Common Example: You ask your dog to sit. When the dog sits, you mark “yes!”, but when you bring the treat towards the dog, they stand up. If that happens, the moment the dog stands up simply “take away” your hand with the treat and ask the dog to sit again Dogs learn through consequences. If you take away the reward every time they break the sit, they realize that staying in the sit gets them what they want.
Example Scenarios using Take Take-Away Method:
- Jumping Up: If a dog jumps up on you to get attention, you can "take away" the attention. Instead of rewarding the dog with pets or talking, you turn away and stop interacting. Once the dog stops jumping, you can reward the calm behavior with attention.
- Barking for Attention: If a dog barks to get your attention, you can "take away" your attention by ignoring the dog. Stop talking to or acknowledging the dog until they stop barking, then reward them with attention when they’re quiet.
- Excessive Tugging on Leash: If the dog pulls on the leash while walking, you can "take away" the opportunity to walk by stopping and standing still whenever the dog pulls. Once they stop pulling and walk calmly, you can resume walking.
Ignore-It
Is a technique used to discourage unwanted behaviors by removing attention and reinforcement. Many behaviors, especially attention-seeking ones, are reinforced when the dog gets a reaction from their owner. By ignoring the behavior completely, the dog learns that it does not result in any reward and will eventually stop doing it…….easier said than done!
***Ignoring the Dog Means to COMPLETELY Withdraw All Attention!***
- No eye contact!
- No talking or verbal reprimands!
- No touching or pushing the dog away!
- Remain neutral and act as if the behavior(dog) does not exist!
When to Use the "Ignore It" Method
✔ Jumping up for attention
✔ Barking or whining for attention
✔ Pawing or nudging for petting
✔ Begging at the table
✔ Mild demand behaviors (e.g., pushing toys into your lap)
When NOT to Use It
✘ Dangerous behaviors (biting, aggression, destructive chewing)
✘ Self-rewarding behaviors (digging, chasing, counter-surfing)
✘ Anxiety-related behaviors (fear barking, separation anxiety)
Teach An Alternate Behavior
Is a positive reinforcement technique where you replace an unwanted behavior with a desirable one. Instead of simply punishing or discouraging a bad habit, you redirect your dog to perform a different, acceptable action that fulfills the same need. This eventually teaches them to make good choices on their own.
Examples in Action:
- Barking at the Door → Teach "Go to Mat"
Instead of barking, the dog learns to go to a designated spot and wait. - Chewing on Furniture → Provide a Chew Toy
Redirect chewing to an appropriate toy instead of punishing. - Pulling on Leash → Teach Loose-Leash Walking
Reward the dog when they walk calmly instead of pulling.
List of Verbal Commands
Sit
Dog sits on cue
Down
Dog lies down on cue
Off
Teaches your dog to remove themselves from something, such as furniture, people, countertops, or even another dog. It’s different from “down”, which means to lie down, whereas "off" means to get off from something/someone.
Think about it: If you're using the word 'down' to mean both 'lie down' and 'get off' when the dog jumps up, it now has two meanings—which can be confusing for your dog!
Example: Suppose you don't allow your dog on the bed. If your dog jumps up and you say 'down,' but instead of getting off, the dog just lies down on the bed—did the dog do something wrong?"
Take It
Dog is given permission or told to take an item (treat, toy, food, etc.)
Drop It
Dog will release any object from their mouth on cue, whether it’s their toy or something they shouldn’t have, like a sock or paper. No matter what they’re holding, the moment they drop it, immediately mark with "Yes!" to reinforce that releasing the item is the desired behavior.
Leave It
Teaches your dog to ignore or move away from something permanently —whether it's food, a dropped object, another dog/animal, or other distractions.If the dog is told to leave Leave it is only used for things your dog can NEVER have! If you tell the dog to leave it, they never get that item and must always be given a different reward. We want leave it to become permanent!
Leave It Examples: think of shoes, paper, chocolate, kids toys, prescription pills, and poisonous toads. Would you ever tell your dog to leave a dropped piece of chocolate and then take it? No! You would reward them with something else - treat, toy, or praise!
Wait
A temporary pause; your dog can move or take-it after being released. The dog pauses momentarily but expects to move again soon. This is used when going through doorways, getting out of the kennel, getting out of the car, waiting for food/treats/toys.
Stay
Is used when you need your dog to remain in a specific position for a longer duration, until you give the release word. When asking the dog to stay while you walk away, walk back and return to the dog before giving the release word. NEVER call a dog to "come" out of a stay! Always return to the dog and then release them.
The Difference Between “Wait” and “Stay” Can Be Seen In Their Use:
"Wait" is helpful when going on a walk; you ask your dog to "wait" before exiting a door, allowing you to go first. Once you give the release word, then the dog can follow you out the door.
In contrast, "Stay" is used when you need your dog to remain in a specific position/place for a longer duration until you return to them—for example, asking your dog to sit and stay on the welcome mat while you leave the door open, walk to the mailbox, and return. In both cases, the dog should only move once given the release cue.