Behavior Markers
We will use the word reinforcement instead of the word reward. Reinforcement is a consequence that occurs after a behavior which results in the behavior being strengthened.
Behavior is happening all the time, every second of every day! Positive reinforcement trainers use the law of behavior to increase increase desired behaviors and decrease undesired behaviors.
When using reinforcement in training we need to clarify what behavior the dog did that earned reinforcement. A behavior marker marks the exact behavior the dog did correctly and signals reinforcement is coming. When a dog understands which behavior is correct and that he will earn reinforcement he will repeat that behavior. This alleviates confusion in your learner and creates behaviors quicker than when you just use only treats or praise in training.
Behavior Markers
A marker is any signal that occurs at the exact moment a correct behavior occurs. It signals reinforcement is imminent. The clicker is one marker, but the marker can be any consistent sound, word or signal used to tell the dog they did something correct. Some examples of markers:
clicker
verbal, “Yes!”
thumbs up
flash of a light (usually used for deaf dogs)
a specific touch (usually used for deaf and blind dogs)
Benefits of the Clicker
The clicker is one of the most efficient ways to mark behavior. The sound the clicker makes is clear, short, precise, consistent and unemotional.
My verbal marker, “Yes!” reflects emotion. If you are really excited about the behavior your dog just did that comes through in your voice. It is also inconsistent across handlers. Your, “Yes!” sounds different than your friend’s “Yes!” The dogs do learn through these inconsistencies but a clicker eliminates them.
For some interesting reading check out Patricia McConnells explanation of how a click is a “broadband” and ““instant onset/offset” sound, which makes it more effectively heard by dogs.
When to use a clicker
The clicker is used for training new behaviors or strengthening a behavior that has lost some of it’s reliability. Research shows that while the clicker is the most effective way to mark behavior during the learning phase, once a behavior is established a verbal maker can be just as effective.
Rules
The rules of the clicker (or any marker) are:
One click equals one treat.
If you click you must treat 100% of the time - even for those “oops! clicks.”
Only click correct behaviors.
Never use the clicker to get the dogs attention.
Click THEN treat. Do not even move your treat hand until after you click.
"Yes!" is your verbal behavior marker, you can use it when you do not have a clicker handy. The same rules apply to "Yes" as to the clicker.
Common Questions
"But wait! Do I always have to use a clicker the rest of my dogs life?"
Since the clicker is used to teach new behaviors or strengthen behaviors that aren't strong enough hopefully you never stop training new things and always find the clicker useful! However once a behavior is fluent, meaning the dog will do it any time anywhere, you no longer need to use click and food reinforcement to keep that behavior strong. You will always reinforce the behavior, but fade the use of the clicker and use real-life reinforcement to maintain behaviors!
“What if I don’t have the clicker and treats with me?”
That’s okay! You can always use praise and real life rewards to reinforce behaviors. Just remember learning is happening all the time so if you have a new learner it’s a good idea to keep treats in your pocket to capture those good behavior moments. If you want to keep a clicker close too, that’s great! Or you can use your verbal marker.
For excellent instruction on how to begin using the clicker watch these two excellent Kiko Pup videos: