10 Minute Training : Day 1
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
Day 1: Loading the Marker ("Yes!")
Week 1: Foundations & Communication
Goal:
To teach your dog that the word “Yes!” means something good is coming—a reward!
What You Need:
High-value treats (small and soft, so your dog can easily consume them quickly)
A quiet space where you can focus on the training
What to Do:
Prepare Your Treats: Have your treats ready in your hand or a treat pouch for easy access. Make sure they are small enough that you can give your dog multiple rewards quickly without overwhelming them.
Say the Marker Word (“Yes!”): As soon as your dog does something you like—such as looking at you, sitting, or any other small action that you can mark—say the word “Yes!” in a clear, upbeat voice.
Reward Immediately: Immediately after saying “Yes!”, give your dog a treat. The treat should follow right after the word, within 1–2 seconds, so they understand the connection between the word and the reward.
Repeat: Repeat this process 15–20 times in a row, ensuring that your dog associates the marker word “Yes!” with something positive.
Tips for Success:
Consistency is Key: Use the marker word “Yes!” every time you want to reinforce a behaviour, so your dog learns to associate it with a positive outcome.
Stay Positive: Keep your tone upbeat and energetic. Your dog will pick up on the enthusiasm and enjoy the training process.
Short Sessions: Since you’re training for just 10 minutes, keep the session fun and fast-paced to avoid overwhelming your dog.
Remember: The purpose of today’s training is for your dog to understand that the word "Yes!" means they did something good, and a reward will be coming their way. You don’t need to worry about timing the word exactly with a specific behaviour yet—just focus on helping your dog understand the connection.
Timing Reminder: When you move forward in training, you will aim for a 1-second window between the behaviour you want repeated and saying “Yes!”—but for today, just focus on getting your dog to recognise “Yes!” as a cue that a treat is coming.
Why It Works:
By repeating this process, you are “loading” the marker word so that your dog understands that when they hear "Yes!", it means they’ve done something good and will get a treat. This builds a strong foundation for future training.
End of Day 1:
After completing this session, your dog should start responding to the sound of the word “Yes!” by looking at you expectantly for the reward. If your dog starts to anticipate the word, you’re on the right track!
Further Reading:
Ready for tomorrow’s session? Let’s build on this foundation! 🐾
Come back tomorrow for Day 2
Looking for expert dog training and walking services in Halifax and surrounding areas?
TLC Dog Walking offers professional, positive reinforcement-based training and specialised dog walking. Founded by experienced dog trainer Tori Lynn Crowther, who holds qualifications in dog training and Applied Social Sciences, we’ve been helping dogs and their owners since 2007.
Join our TLC Family Club for exclusive discounts on walks, training and boarding!
📍 Areas Covered: Halifax, Brighouse, Elland, Queensbury, Low Moor, Wyke, Shelf, Claremount, Boothtown, Sowerby Bridge, Southowram, Northowram, Hipperholme, West Vale, Wheatley, Pellon, Copley, Coley, Norwood Green, Wibsey and surrounding areas. If your area is not on here, just contact us to check. We cover much further for training.
🐶Services: Dog Training | Puppy Training | Rescue Dog Training | Specialist Dog Walking | Behavioural Support
👉 Book your consultation today! Visit www.tlcdogwalking.co.uk or email info@tlcdogwalking.co.uk.
Comments