Teaching the Marker Word
Our dogs don’t speak English, but you probably knew that already. Still, it’s no surprise we often find ourselves frustrated trying to get on the same page. We ask a lot of our dogs when it comes to navigating our human world, and that’s okay. We just can’t expect them to figure it all out without teaching them some key words.

That’s where a clear, consistent marker word comes in. The marker word acts as a bridge, telling your dog: “Yes! That was correct, and a reward is coming.” For simplicity and consistency, I recommend using the word “Yes.”

Start by standing with your dog on leash. Say “yes,” then immediately give your dog a treat—no need to ask for any behavior first. You can mix it up by saying “yes” when your dog is looking at you or looking away, but make sure you’re delivering the treat within a couple of seconds. Try this in a calm environment where your dog isn’t overly distracted.

Do 3 to 4 short sessions, each around 3 minutes. This can easily be worked into your dog’s regular mealtime so you’re not adding a ton of extra calories.

Goal: At this stage, all we want is for your dog to hear the marker word and expect a reward. It’s not a cue or command, so try not to use it to call your dog over just yet.

What You’ll Need:

• High-value treats your dog is excited about (or use their meal)
• A calm, low-distraction environment (like your home)
• A leash
• A treat pouch or pocket so treats are easy to access quickly