In the journey of training our canine companions, effective communication serves as the cornerstone of success. Consider this scenario: you’ve been diligently working with your dog on a particular task, and today, they excel. As they flawlessly execute the desired behaviour, you reach for a marker—a simple yet potent tool in your training toolkit. But this isn’t just any marker; it’s a catalyst for learning and growth, shaping your dog’s understanding of their actions and deepening the bond between you.

Marker training thrives on clarity and specificity. By incorporating distinct markers for both positive and negative choices, we refine our ability to communicate with our dogs in a language they comprehend. Let’s explore these markers and their pivotal role in shaping behaviours:

Markers for Good Choices in the Perth Canine Craft System:

1. Direct Reward Marker:  Imagine your dog executes the task flawlessly, and you signal the Direct Reward Marker. It’s a clear indication that they’ve excelled, and their reward—a tempting toy or delectable treat—is ready and waiting. This instant reinforcement cements their grasp of the correct behaviour and motivates them to repeat it in the future. From a language perspective, we often use words like “jip,” “yes,” or “break” as examples, providing a clear and immediate signal of success to our dogs.
2. Roomservice Marker:  Sometimes, the journey isn’t over yet. With the Roomservice Marker, you inform your dog they’re on the right path, but there’s more to come. It sustains their engagement and determination, knowing further rewards may be within reach if they continue to excel. We utilize the “command” themselves, which serves as a classic conditioning brain hack. This technique leverages the association between the command and the subsequent reward, reinforcing desired behaviours effectively.
3. Neutral Reward Marker:  For a neutral indication of task completion, a word commonly used for dogs is simply “free.” This signifies the end of the exercise without a reward, teaching our dogs the variability of reinforcement in training.
4. Indirect Reward Marker: Similar to a job well done, the Indirect Reward Marker denotes task completion, but with a twist. Instead of receiving the reward directly from you, your dog is encouraged to seek it out independently from an external source. This is when we had a temptation on offer that we considered appropriate and safe for the dog to have access to. This fosters problem-solving skills and autonomy, empowering them to take initiative in their training. A word often used for dogs in this context is “ok,” signalling that they are free to seek out their reward.

Markers for Bad Choices in the Perth Canine Craft System:

1. NoMarker: In the journey of learning, missteps occur. When your dog veers off course, the NoMarker, or “nope” as you prefer, gently redirects their focus. It’s akin to saying “You’re getting colder,” prompting them to try a different approach. This simple yet clear verbal cue indicates that their choice wasn’t quite right without causing confusion or anxiety. By promptly providing feedback with the “nope” marker, you guide your dog toward more appropriate behaviours, fostering a deeper understanding and cooperation in the training process.
2. Yellow Card Marker: Think of this as your dog’s warning signal. The Yellow Card Marker, or “uh huh” as you prefer, alerts them that their current behaviour is off track and could lead to consequences if continued. This simple yet effective verbal cue swiftly communicates the need for a course correction. It’s an opportunity for your dog to adjust their behaviour before facing more significant repercussions. This clear and immediate feedback helps guide your dog toward making better choices and reinforces positive behaviours in the training process.
3. Red Card Marker: Sometimes, a firmer intervention is necessary. The Red Card Marker, or “Nein” as you prefer, makes it clear that your dog has made a significant error, and a penalty or punishment is imminent. This distinct verbal cue, although less common in Australia, effectively communicates the seriousness of the situation. It’s important to note that we never address more than one unsafe or inappropriate behaviour at a time. Instead, we focus on one behaviour until the dog makes the connection and begins making better choices. Only then do we move on to the next behaviour on our priority list. This approach ensures clarity and consistency in our training methodology. Additionally, we manage our dogs to prevent opportunities to practice other undesirable behaviours. Why? Because we aim to balance out penalties for undesired behaviours with rewards for desired ones. For every penalty, such as the Red Card Marker, we strive to provide at least seven rewarding events, maintaining a positive balance in our training approach. This strategy fosters a harmonious relationship between you and your dog, built on clear communication and mutual understanding.

Remember it is so important that we say what we mean and mean what we say, dogs don’t rely on language and thus synonyms for any of the words you use will not have any association with the words you have conditioned. This is where the humans make errors and cause confusion with their dog’s, and leads to anxiety or frustration depending on the dog’s temperament.

Incorporating these markers into your training regimen revolutionizes the way you communicate with your dog, laying the groundwork for mutual understanding and cooperation. With each marker, you’re not merely acknowledging their actions—you’re guiding them on a journey of learning and self-discovery. So, the next time you reach for that marker, remember its power in shaping your canine companion’s behaviour and strengthening the bond you share.