The Marker System

"Yes is the Key" 

One of the core tools used here at the ranch is the Marker System, the use of the word "yes" or "good" to mark a correct behavior, followed by a treat reward in the early stages to create incentive to learn and positive association with the word "yes".  Markers allow dogs to understand the precise behavior that we are trying to get them to capture, whether a simple sit, or a find in search and rescue.  Over and over again, dogs come into training with vast zones of confusion as to what is expected of them, and what we are really asking them to do. 

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