A “marker” or a “marker word” is a sound or verbal cue that we can use to communicate with our hounds. It helps us during training by enabling us to mark a behaviour at the exact moment it happens. It also lets our hound know that what they were doing in that moment is a desired behaviour. Read on as we explain marker words in more detail.
What are the different types of markers?
Verbal markers:
Examples of these: yes, good.
At Greyhound Rescue, we use the marker word “Yes!”. We recommend continuing using this marker word for your hound.
The Pros:
- Easily accessible – everyone involved with your hound’s training can use the marker word
- No equipment required
- Simple for beginners
The Cons:
- Using everyday words as a marker word can be confusing for some hounds if their marker word is used in a non-training setting, but this is usually not a big issue
- Not as consistent when it comes to multiple people using the marker word (e.g. different voices, tones etc)
Clickers or whistles:
A tool that makes a clicking or whistle sound.
The Pros:
– Consistent sound – everyone involved in the training can use the clicker / whistle, and it will sound the same to your hound
The Cons:
– Using a clicker or a whistle can take some getting used to when it comes to holding the object and timing the marker. It can also be a bit tricky when your hound is on lead. Howver, they are great tools once you get some practice!
– Some clickers (such as a box clicker) can be louder, and may startle some timid hounds. You can fix this by putting a piece of blu-tac inside the box clicker to dull the sound, or use an “i-clicker” which is made of plastic and isn’t as loud as a box clicker. You can also hide it behind your back or in your pocket to buffer the sound while you condition you hound to the sound.
Conditioning a marker word
Before you start using your marker during training, it is important to condition your hound to the marker. This helps them learn that the marker word means a treat is on the way! We can do this by saying the marker word once, then offering a treat. Repeat this three times a day for a few days. You will know your hound is conditioned to your marker work once they start turning their head towards you when you say the marker word.
For example:
“Yes!” >> give treat, “Yes!” >> Give treat, “Yes” >> Give treat.
Using a marker word
Once your hound is conditioned to the marker, it’s time to start using the marker during training sessions. The goal is to use or say your marker when you hound offers the desired behaviour.
For example, for placement training (on their bed):
Lure hound with treat to bed >> Hound stands on bed >> “Yes!” >> Give treat
Tips:
- Only say your marker word or use your marker once when marking a behaviour, don’t repeat the word
- Training is not just a learning experience for your hound, it is also a learning experience for the handlers. Take your time, practice your new skill… even film yourself during a training session so you can look back on your timing and how you can improve!
If you’ve tried the above but would like to get further help from a professional, we recommend getting in touch with your adoption coordinator who will be able to recommend some great force-free trainers.