Why markers matter (especially in scent work)
- Jason Cortis
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Download your quick reference sheet below:
In dog training, clarity and timing are everything. This is no different in scent work. We want our dogs to understand what cues mean, what behaviour we’re looking for, and exactly when they’ve got it right.
A marker gives you a way to clearly communicate this, pinpointing the exact moment your dog performs a correct or desired response and behaviour, whether that’s recognising odour, showing a change in behaviour, or giving a final indication at source, your marker will make sure your dog understands the game and how best to earn a reward.
A marker word, sound or signal will always be your promise to the dog a reward is coming and it was that moment "right there... that’s the picture we’re building”
🔑 How to introduce a marker
Before training anything new, your dog needs to learn that the marker is a cue to a reward. Here the sound, expect a treat. This is conditioning the marker, or charging a marker, and there are lots of ways to to this but these steps outline it in a simple way:
Step 1: In a quiet place to start, say your marker word (e.g. “Yes” or use a clicker)
Step 2: Wait a second for the mark to be heard, and then move to give your dog a high-value reward
Step 3: Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.
Overtime, your dog will learn that the marker predicts a reward and to know if you are doing it right, you should expect your dog to anticipate the reward when they here the marker. This tells us if the association and pairing is going well. Maybe your click, and your dog jumps up and orientates to you, shows you more focus, maybe a tail wag, a little salivation or even a happy dance if you are #Will, Sandra's labrador !
The marker is now paving the way to create improved communication for you and your dog, build faster learning and clarity so we have more confident behaviours going forward.
We can then apply this directly to our scent work training, using the marker to shape behaviour and build clear criteria by doing things like:
Marking interest in the search area – reinforcing engagement and drive
Marking changes in behaviour – when your dog recognises odour (slowing, head snap, breathing change)
Marking the source – pinpointing accuracy and commitment
Marking the indication – reinforcing the final, clear response
Over time, this creates a dog that understands not just what to do, but exactly where and when to do it.
If you have any sessions with us coming up, work on charging, pairing and conditioning your marker up beforehand. If not, why not ! Visit our page to book on a progression, workshop or session now: www.noseydogs.co.uk
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