Marker words- the key to clear communication
Making Training Clear: The Power of Markers in Dog Training
We’ve all been there: you give a command, the dog performs the behaviour… and you spend so long fumbling around in your pocket that by the time your dog gets the treat they don’t know whether the reward is for that behaviour or for the looking around/barking/fidgeting they’ve been doing while you were getting the treat.
The solution? Using a reward marker or clicker to tell the dog exactly what they did right! I’ll be covering some other useful words in this blog too so that you can communicate clearly with your dog.
What Are Markers in Dog Training?
A marker is a sound or word that tells your dog, “That’s it! You did the right thing, and a reward is coming.” It’s a way of precisely marking the moment your dog makes a correct choice—making learning faster, clearer, and more fun.
There are different types of markers, but the most common ones are:
Reward markers (also called terminal markers)
Clickers (a type of reward marker)
Continuation markers
Break cues
Let’s dive into each one.
Reward Markers: “Yes!” or “Good”
A reward marker is a consistent sound or word you use to tell your dog exactly when they’ve done the right behavior. It always means, “That’s correct—and a reward is coming now!”
Introducing a marker word is the easiest training you’ll ever do- simply say the word and give them a treat, then repeat a few times. Once you’ve done a few short sessions of this (aim for 3x a day) your dog should get excited and look to the treat pouch when they hear the marker word- this is how you know they’ve started to associate it with rewards. You can then move on to using the word when training behaviours.
Clickers vs. Verbal Markers
A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a distinct “click” sound. It works the same way as a verbal reward marker—telling your dog when they’ve done the right thing. I don’t personally use these because juggling a lead, treats and a clicker feels like too much to hold but if you prefer using them that’s absolutely fine!
Pros of a Clicker:
It’s always the same sound—no emotion or tone change.
Pros of Verbal Markers:
You always have your voice—no tools needed.
Can be more personal and encouraging, especially for sensitive dogs.
Both work well—it just depends on your preference and your dog’s needs.
Continuation Markers: “Good…”
A continuation marker tells your dog, “You’re on the right track—keep going!”
For example, if you’re teaching your dog to hold a down-stay, you might say:
“Goooood…” in a calm, steady tone to let them know they’re doing well, but the behavior isn’t over yet.
This marker helps reinforce duration-based behaviors and builds your dog’s understanding that they need to continue the task to earn the final reward.
Break Cues: “Okay!” or “Free!”
A break cue tells your dog that the behavior is complete, and they’re free to move. Think of it as a green light—they’ve done what you asked, and now they can get up, move around, or go play.
Common break cues include:
“Okay!”
“Free!”
“Release!”
Using a break cue helps your dog understand when a behavior ends, which is especially useful for things like stays, mat work, or polite greetings.
I use “okay!” and try to incorporate it into everyday life as often as possible- it gives my dogs permission to walk out of the front door, jump out of the car, begin eating and go back to running around after I’ve recalled them. As well as strengthening their understanding of the word it helps to develop their impulse control- a skill which comes in handy in all areas of training.
Putting It All Together
Let’s say you’re working on a “sit-stay” with your dog. Here’s how markers can be used:
You cue “Sit.”
Your dog sits.
You say “Good…” while they’re holding the sit—this is your continuation marker. You could add in another behaviour here if you wanted to give your dog a challenge- e.g. asking them to move to a down.
After a few seconds, you say “Yes!” and give them a treat—this is your reward marker, which only happens when they’re about to get paid.
Then you say “Okay!” to release them—this is your break cue.
Each marker has a clear job, helping your dog understand what’s expected and what earns rewards.
Final Thoughts
Markers are simple, powerful tools that create clarity in your training. By using consistent cues you help your dog learn faster, with less frustration and more confidence.
Want to supercharge your dog’s progress? Start incorporating markers into your everyday training. You’ll be amazed how much easier it becomes to communicate—and how much fun you both have in the process.
