By Jason Mann
I discovered marker training almost by accident. I was learning to train Angel using a prong collar and traditional methods.
It took about 5 days to completely freak her out, I was being assisted by a professional trainer too, thankfully, he helped show me how to repair the damage I had done.
Angel became afraid of training. She hated it when the guy would come over for each session she would run and hide under a chair.
After 30 minutes of Hide-n-Seek Angel would reluctantly go Outside for Training
After a few days of this behavior I had to change something. But what?
Shortly after her last hide-n-seek routine I was in the yard playing fetch with her and just for kicks I said, "Sit!" while holding her ball.
A nano second later her butt was on the ground.
I did it again, but this time I said, "Down!" She was flat as a board on the grass in record time.
It was in that Moment I was HOOKED on Positive Training Methods
You might be thinking, "What if you don't have the ball? Will she still work?"
You bet.
Today I want to take it one step further and share marker training using only positive methods with you.
Some people call it "clicker" training but since I don't use a clicker I think its appropriate to call it marker training.
What is Marker Training?
And will it work for Pit Bulls?
Marker Training: Is using a "marker" such as a click or a word to "mark" a desired behavior. That's it in a nutshell.
Will it work for Pit Bulls? Absolutely.
When you start marker training you will need:
- lot's of treats
- an abundant amount of patience (seriously, you will need a TON)
- Committment.
Does Marker Training Work?
Ever go to Sea World? Marker training is how they get those huge whales to jump through hoops, sky into the air with trainers on their backs etc...
It's clear it works. But how do you get started?
First, start reading everything you can about the subject.
I discuss marker training and a ton of other training information in my e-book, The Pit Bull Training Handbook along with the book, I discuss these methods and ideas in audio lessons that you can access from the books download page.
Second, get a mentor. Find someone who has titled dogs using positive marker training methods. I'm working on getting Angel primed for UKC obedience and weight pull using marker training. Matter of fact, as soon as I post this article we will be working on some obedience.
Marker Training Resources
As I said before my e-book comes with audio's that you can listen to that covers the basics of marker training and a new experiment I'm doing with my dogs to teach them some cool behaviors using only marker training.
Some other excellent resources:
Do a search for "Marker training for Dogs" on Google.com and you'll find quite a few sites with quality information regarding marker training.
Finally, Pit Bull training should be fun for both owner and dog. So go have fun!
Original Article from PitBullLovers.com
