Marker signals for dogs: effective training through timing
Leash handling: Bonus material
This video and training is part of the Vitomalia Leash Handling Concept, a structured programme for improving leash handling skills in dogs. The concept is carefully designed didactically and methodically to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best results with your dog.
The marker signal forms a bridge between your dog's action and the reward. This can be a click, a word or a short sound. It is used as a signal that announces a reinforcer, i.e. the reward. The aim of the marker signal is to show the dog exactly which behaviour is being rewarded. It marks correct behaviour with pinpoint accuracy and does not require you to be in the immediate vicinity of your dog. You communicate to your dog: You did a great job and your reward is coming soon. Timing is critical, because dogs only connect action and reaction if they take place within a very short period of time of about two seconds.
Target: Your dog associates that the marker signal results in a reward, whether moving, standing or sitting
Equipment: Treats in treat bag or bowl, other reward toys
Ort: At home, low-stimulus environment
Duration: 15 repetitions - 5 repetitions each, then rest
Every dog training programme begins and ends with the right timing. Did you know that the dog will only associate his actions and your reaction to his actions correctly and reliably if you react to them within approx. 2 seconds? Yes, exactly! That's super short and can be the first clue as to why your previous training hasn't always worked for you. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but you should remember the 2-second rule.
An example from everyday life: Your dog comes to you directly on recall, he sits down in front of you and you want to reward him generously, so you dig another treat out of your jacket pocket. You give your dog the treat and he is happy. What did he get the treat for? Well, your dog probably doesn't know that himself, it doesn't matter, the main thing is that there was something to eat. Your dog won't associate the treat as a reward for coming back because the time between his action and your reaction was simply too long.
ℹ︎ Info
The time span of the association is the reason why your dog cannot be punished afterwards, for example, if he destroys the sofa or pees in the flat. This only weakens your relationship, because your dog will not understand what he is being punished for. The time span of 2 seconds of the association refers to reward and punishment!
Think of a marker signal that is short and concise, but that you don't use often in everyday life. It should sound very different from your other signals. Hard consonants are also excellent. You can use words like "click", "zap", "top", or a click, etc.
"Yes" is often used in dog training. However, we advise against using it as a marker signal because a "yes" is not neutral for you, because it has a meaning and therefore suggests a certain emotion for you. If you decide to use it anyway, this does not represent a demonstrable training disadvantage.
However, before you can use the marker signal, the marker signal must be conditioned. The aim is for your dog to learn that the marker signal is followed by a reward. The marker signal never stands alone and does not replace a reward! It bridges your reaction time and announces the reward. The reward should always vary.
Learning step 1: Curling
- Start in a calm environment and in such a way that your dog is receptive.
- Your dog is in your immediate vicinity, but doesn't have to do anything, you are standing.
- Give the marker signal you have chosen.
- Reach for a treat and reward your dog with it.
- It doesn't matter whether you give your dog the treat directly or throw it.
- Repeat this process several times.
- Then take a break.
✔︎ always with you, cannot be forgotten ✔︎ Hands are free when practising ✔︎ can be used spontaneously ❌ Emotions flow in, therefore not neutral ❌ doesn't always sound the sameMarkersignal
✔︎ not spontaneous, but a conscious effort ✔︎ Neutral sound that stands out from the voice ✔︎ A memorable and similar sound ❌ is a tool and you don't always have it with you ❌ Must be held in the handClicker
You'll find the perfect equipment with us
Learning step 2: Human generalisation
- Start as in learning step 1 by not having your dog do anything, giving your marker signal while standing and then giving or throwing the treat.
- Now sit down, say your marker signal and give your dog the treat.
- Start moving around the room, while you give your marker signal from the movement, then reach for the treat and give it to your dog.
- Again, you can give the treat directly, from a distance or drop it on the floor.
ℹ︎ Info
The marker signal is not an attention signal. Don't make the mistake of using the marker signal to attract attention. You can use your dog's name to attract attention. With the marker signal, it is not necessary for your dog to come to you, look at you or orientate itself towards you. The marker signal is all about the link: marker signal = reward.
Learning step 3: Generalisation Amplifier
For everyday situations or training, it is useful to be able to use different rewards. To avoid disappointment or frustration, different rewards must be used and practised early enough.
- Start as in learning step 1 by not asking your dog to do anything, giving your marker signal and then giving or throwing the treat.
- Now give the marker signal again and praise your dog verbally only, without treats.
- Give the marker signal repeatedly and reward your dog with a toy.
- Next, you can give your dog your marker signal and reward him with a very special treat.
- Finally, you can give your marker signal and reward your dog with a game.
Repeat this step again and again and alternate the different types of rewards so that you are not dependent on just one type of reward. This offers you wonderful flexibility in training and everyday life with your dog in the long term.
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Summary
The marker signal is a powerful tool in your dog training that can positively influence your dog's learning behaviour through precise timing and clear communication. Whether you choose to use a clicker or another marker signal, the most important thing is consistency and your understanding of how and when to use the signal. With the correct use of a marker signal, your training will be more effective and you will build a deeper and more understanding relationship with your four-legged friend.
The marker signal is a bridging signal between your dog's action and the reward.
The marker signal never stands alone, is not an attention signal and does not replace a reward.
With the marker signal you communicate to your dog "You did that right" and announce a reward.
What is a marker signal?
The marker signal forms a bridge between your dog's action and the reward, which is used at the exact moment of a desired behaviour to signal to the dog that exactly this behaviour will be rewarded.
Why is the marker signal important in dog training?
The marker signal is important because it specifies the timing of the reward and allows you to communicate to the dog exactly what behaviour is desired, which speeds up the learning process and makes it more effective.
Can any sound or word be used as a marker signal?
In principle, yes, but the signal should be short, clear and repeatable, and it should be different from everyday noises or words so that the dog is not confused.
How does a clicker differ from a verbal marker signal?
A clicker is a handheld device that always makes the same "click" sound when pressed. This sound is unique and stands out from everyday noises so that dogs can easily recognise it and associate it with correct behaviour. The disadvantage is that you always have to have the clicker with you and you are dependent on equipment.
In contrast, a verbal marker signal is a word or sound that you pronounce or a click of the tongue. A big advantage is that you don't need any extra tools for this and it is therefore always available.
However, using your voice as a marker signal can be a challenge. Because the human voice changes depending on mood and context, it may be more difficult for your dog to recognise the signal consistently. It takes practice to use your voice consistently so that it is as clear to your dog as the sound of a clicker, so in most cases the click is more suitable than a word.
Do I always have to use the marker signal?
The marker signal is particularly important in the learning phase to establish new behaviour. Once a behaviour is reliably demonstrated, you can use the signal less frequently, but you should use it occasionally to maintain the behaviour.
Can I use different marker signals for different behaviours?
It is possible, but not necessarily recommended for beginners. Too many signals can be confusing. Focus on one or two clear signals to avoid confusion and make the learning process easier.
The Vitomalia Leash Handling Concept is a structured, didactic and methodical programme designed to give you and your dog the necessary skills and understanding to ensure enjoyable and safe walks. Each exercise builds on the previous one, creating a strong foundation for future learning. Here you will find a variety of advanced exercises specifically designed to reinforce and extend what you and your dog have already learnt. From advanced leash handling techniques to tips on how to effectively manage distractions, we offer a wide range of content to support your training goals.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina und Lui sind das Herz und die Seele hinter Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Ihre Reise im Bereich Hundeerziehung begann mit der Adoption ihres ersten Listenhundes, Vito. Diese Erfahrung weckte ihr tiefes Interesse daran, anderen Hundebesitzern Wissen über Hundeverhalten und -erziehung zu vermitteln. Anfänglich war dies ein bloßes Hobby, doch mit der Adoption der American Pitbull Hündin Amalia, die wegen schweren Verhaltensauffälligkeiten mehrfach abgegeben wurde, entwickelte sich ihre Leidenschaft zu einer wahren Berufung. Amalias besondere Herausforderungen im Verhalten intensivierten ihr Interesse an Hundeerziehung und Verhaltenstherapie. Dieser Wendepunkt führte dazu, dass Paulina und Lui ihre ursprünglichen Berufspfade verließen, sich intensiv weiterbildeten und sich vollständig dem Thema Hundeerziehung widmeten. Ihre Arbeit mit Mensch-Hund-Teams offenbarte ihnen zudem eine Lücke im Hundemarkt: Es mangelte an sicherem und hochwertigem Hundezubehör speziell für mittelgroße und große
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.