22d • GENERAL
Why You NEED a Potent Marker System (Yes & No) for Your Dog
If your dog sometimes listens…kind of understands…and occasionally does the right thing…
You probably don’t have a clear marker system.
What Is a Marker System?
A marker system tells the dog exactly what their behavior means in the moment.
At its simplest:
- YES = “That’s correct. That behavior works.”
- NO = “That doesn’t work. Try something else.”
Dogs don’t speak English — they learn through clarity and consequence.
Markers provide clarity.
Why “YES” Matters
A potent YES marker:
- Pinpoints the exact behavior you want
- Speeds up learning dramatically
- Builds confidence
- Reduces confusion and hesitation
If you don’t clearly mark success, your dog is guessing.
Guessing leads to:
- Slow progress
- Frustration
- Inconsistent obedience
Why “NO” Matters (And Why Avoiding It Hurts Dogs)
A clear NO marker:
- Ends unwanted behavior immediately
- Prevents repetition of bad choices
- Gives the dog information instead of emotion
- Creates boundaries without anger
Dogs want feedback.
When there’s no “no,” dogs learn through trial and error — usually repeating the wrong thing until it becomes a habit.
No marker ≠ kindness
No marker = confusion
Potency Is the Key
A weak marker system sounds like:
- “uh uh”
- repeating commands
- begging
- body language instead of communication
A potent marker system is:
- Clear
- Consistent
- Emotionally neutral
- Always followed by the correct outcome
YES always means success
NO always means change course.
No exceptions.
4
2 comments
Why You NEED a Potent Marker System (Yes & No) for Your Dog
powered by
skool.com/the-doggy-brigade-8207
Welcome to The Dog Training Hub!
This community is dedicated to helping dog owners train happier, healthier, and better-behaved dogs.
Suggested communities
Powered by