Reward Based Training: Using the "Yes" Marker Word

This month launches our series on Reward Based Training! We will be addressing the importance of using Reward Based Training (RBT), how to use it correctly, breaking down different aspects of the training, and troubleshooting.

To have a good basis for RBT, raisers need to have an understanding on how to use the “yes” marker word with their pups. A “marker word” is a simple word meant to mark the precise moment of a dog’s behavior or choice. At Southeastern Guide Dogs, we use the word “yes” as our marker word. The marker word indicates that a reward is coming. If you are familiar with clicker training with animals, the marker word is identical except we are using a word in place of the clicker sound. Think of the word “yes” as though you are taking a camera snapshot of the moment the behavior occurs!

When using the marker word, there are very specific rules for training your puppy. If you fail to follow these rules, this can break down the meaning and effectiveness of the word “yes.”

Rules for Training with “YES” Marker Word

1. If you say, “yes” as a marker word, you MUST give a treat reward – even if your timing was off.  In order to keep meaning to the word, a treat must follow every single time the word is used. If you use the word, but fail to give a treat reward, the dog will start to not trust that the word equals a reward and it will water down the meaning. This is almost a “Boy Who Cried Wolf” type of scenario. If you ask your dog for a “sit,” but he does a “down” and you make a mistake and say “yes,” you still need to give a treat reward…and be more careful of your timing the next go around!
2. “Yes” is NEVER used as a praise or reward word. This is a very easy habit to get into and difficult to change the way you use it, once you are in this habit. Because of this, try not to be too hard on yourself if you accidentally use it as a praise word. However, don’t forget that every time you use the word “yes,” a treat MUST follow!
3. ALWAYS use the marker word in this order: “Yes!” --> Treat --> Praise. Do not praise BEFORE giving the treat reward. Again, this helps the word “yes” keep its meaning. It also prevents any praise words (good dog, nice job, etc.) from becoming the marker word.

Using “Yes” to Advance Skills

Once your pup is solid with using “yes” for basic behaviors, then you can use the marker word to your advantage to help advance your pup’s skills. First, once a pup has learned a skill, the raiser can begin to fade the use of the “yes” marker word. To continue to help your pup generalize, you will still be able to use treat rewards and praise, despite no longer using the marker word.  Giving the treat reward intermittently or fading it altogether can happen gradually, in this phase. However you want to make sure that you always continue giving praise! As a side note, we will be discussing this more in-depth during our Blue Cape Journal series on Reward Based Training.

We can also help our pups advance their skills by using “yes” to mark duration. Once a pup has learned a basic behavior or command, extend the amount of time before saying “yes!” As the pup gets better with a short time/duration, extend further and further before saying “yes.” You can use quiet praise during the duration time to let your pup know he is doing the correct thing, but do NOT use the word “yes” during the duration time. Don’t forget to tell your pup to “break” at the end of the duration.

As an example, here are the steps to teaching a pup to “sit,” without and with duration.

First, we have our pup learning to “sit” and with no duration.

Next, we have our pup who knows how to “sit,” but is advanced and learning to build duration into the “sit” command.

We are aware that many raisers have been using the “yes” marker word for some time, but that some may have been using it differently than explained in this post. It does take time to retrain our brains, so please know that your AC, group leaders, and PRS staff look forward to assisting you with building new habits through coaching, group activities, reminders, etc. There are some steps you can take to help set yourself up for success – making sure to carry treats on you (preferably in an easy-to-use treat pouch), beginning to consciously practice the “yes” marker word with your puppy now despite his age, and practicing any exercises that your ACs teach in regards to the marker word during meetings. By helping your pup understand the meaning of the marker word through adequate timing and consistent use, you can help set your pup up for success for continuing his life long learning, especially in the beginning phases of guide dog training!