We use a Yes marker to create a clear bridge between the behaviour we want and the reward that follows. It is our way of telling the dog: that's it, you got it right.
Timing is everything in training, and rewards cannot always happen instantly. The marker fills that gap. It captures the exact moment your dog makes the right choice. Over time, "Yes" becomes powerful. It tells your dog they have succeeded and motivates them to repeat that behaviour again and again.
It is a small word that makes communication clean, precise, and incredibly effective. This is where training stops being a guessing game and starts becoming a real conversation.
We introduce the Yes marker using the kibble and food motivation we have already built in Module 1. This is intentional. We want the marker to predict the food they already value, not an occasional special treat.
Say "YES" clearly, then immediately grab food and throw it to your right. When your dog runs back to you, say "YES" again and throw it to your left. Keep food out of your hands, in a pocket or a bowl nearby. The sequence is always marker first, then food delivered.
After a few sessions you should start to notice your dog responding to the marker. Ears perking up, glancing toward you, moving in anticipation when they hear "Yes." If you do not see that yet, keep practising Step 1. Aim for fifteen repetitions per session and no more.
Add a couple of steps backward when you say your marker. This movement draws your dog toward you and teaches them to come in and collect their reward directly from you. A simple addition that builds a habit which will make much more sense as you progress into more advanced training.
Once your dog understands and responds to the marker, start using it to reinforce other behaviours. The marker now acts as a bridge, clearly telling your dog the exact moment they have done the right thing, followed by their reward. This is where training really starts to come together.
The sequence is always the same: marker first, then food. Never the other way around. Your dog needs to learn that "Yes" predicts the reward even if the reward does not appear instantly. That predictability is what builds the power of the marker over time.