A marker is a clear and consistent signal that tells your puppy the exact moment they have performed the behaviour you want. It acts as a form of communication, helping your puppy understand precisely which action is being rewarded. Common markers include a short word such as “yes” or the sound of a clicker. The marker is given at the exact moment the desired behaviour happens and is always followed by a reward, usually a piece of food.
Because rewards cannot always be delivered at the exact second a behaviour occurs, the marker bridges that gap by capturing the correct moment. This makes learning much clearer for your puppy and helps them understand what behaviour earned the reward. With consistent use, markers make training more precise, improve communication between you and your puppy, and help them learn new behaviours more quickly and confidently.
