Marker Training — Clicker and Verbal Markers

A marker is a distinct signal that tells your pet the exact moment they did something right. It bridges the gap between the behaviour and the reward, making it crystal clear what they are being rewarded for.

The most common markers are:

• A clicker — a small device that makes a consistent ‘click’ sound. Available from pet stores across Australia for around $5–$10 AUD
• A verbal marker — a short, sharp word like ‘Yes!’ or ‘Good!’ said in a consistent tone

Both work equally well. A clicker has the advantage of being completely consistent (it always sounds the same), while a verbal marker is always with you and leaves your hands free.

The marker works because of classical conditioning — through repeated pairing with food, the sound itself becomes rewarding. Your pet hears the marker and knows a reward is coming.

Before you can use a marker in training, you need to ‘charge’ it — teach your pet that the marker sound means a treat is coming.

Step 1: Prepare 15–20 small, soft treats (pea-sized for dogs, smaller for cats). Use something your pet loves — cooked chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats

Step 2: In a quiet room with no distractions, click (or say your marker word) and immediately give a treat. Do not ask for any behaviour — just click and treat

Step 3: Repeat 15–20 times over 2–3 short sessions. Vary the timing slightly so your pet does not just predict a rhythm

Step 4: Test the connection. Wait until your pet looks away, then click. If they immediately turn to you expecting a treat, the marker is charged

Once charged, the rule is simple: every click (or marker word) MUST be followed by a treat. If you click by accident, still treat. The marker must remain a reliable promise.