Commands, Markers & Words Used in Dog Training

Good communication is one of the most important parts of dog training. Dogs learn to understand the words, signals and sounds we consistently use to communicate what we want from them.

🐾 Commands

A command is a word we use to ask our dog to perform a particular behaviour.

Examples include:

• “Sit”

• “Drop”

• “Heel”

• “Come”

• “Stay”

Commands should be clear, consistent and used in the same way each time.

✋ Hand Signals

A hand signal is a visual cue that the dog learns to associate with a particular behaviour.

For example, you may use a hand signal together with “sit”. Over time, your dog can learn that the hand signal itself means the same thing as the verbal command.

Hand signals can be particularly useful when working at a distance or when verbal communication isn’t practical.

🔵 Markers — Your Bridge to the Reward

A marker, sometimes called a bridge, tells your dog:

“Yes! That is exactly what I wanted — a reward is coming.”

A marker can be:

• A click from a clicker

• A verbal marker such as “Yes!”

The marker should happen within approximately 1.5 seconds of the correct behaviour.

The marker is one of the most important tools in reward-based training because it allows us to clearly communicate to the dog exactly which behaviour earned the reward.

Behaviour → Marker → Reward

Once your dog understands what the marker means, it becomes a powerful communication tool and can significantly improve your dog’s learning and ability to perform more complex behaviours.

🟢 Duration Marker

A duration marker communicates to your dog:

“You’re doing the right thing — keep going.”

I use calm, encouraging words such as:

• “Good dog”

• “Nice”

• “Well done”

These are delivered in a calm tone rather than as an exciting reward marker.

For example, while your dog is in a stay, you might quietly say “good dog” to let them know they are doing the right thing and should continue holding the position.

The same principle can be used during a loose-lead walk to encourage your dog to continue walking nicely.

🟠 Motivational Marker

A motivational marker is a word or phrase designed to increase enthusiasm and let your dog know that it’s time to get ready to work!

For example:

“Are you ready?”

I might use this before heeling, obedience work or an agility run to increase enthusiasm, focus and engagement.

Your motivational marker should create a positive emotional response — your dog hears it and thinks:

“Yes! We’re going to work!”

🟡 Release Word

A release word tells your dog that they are finished with the behaviour or position they were asked to maintain.

A release word might be:

“Free!”

This is particularly important for behaviours such as stay, sit, drop or place.

For example, if you ask your dog to stay, they should remain in that position until you give the release cue:

“Free!”

The release word is different from a reward marker. “Free” does not mean that food is coming. It simply tells the dog that they are now free to move or leave the position.

Teaching a clear release word helps prevent dogs from deciding for themselves when a behaviour is finished.

Stay → Duration marker → Release word → Move

🟣 Termination Word

A termination word tells your dog that the training session itself has finished.

For example:

“You’re done!”

This communicates:

“Training is finished. You can switch off now.”

This is different from a release word.

A release word ends a particular behaviour or position, while a termination word ends the entire training session.

For example:

“Sit” → “Stay” → “Good dog” → “Free!”

The dog is released from the stay, but you may continue training.

At the end of the session:

“You’re done!”

Your dog now knows that formal training has finished and they can relax.

Having a clear termination word can help dogs understand the difference between working time and relaxing time, which is especially valuable for dogs learning advanced obedience, assistance work or other structured training.

🔴 The “No” Marker

The word “No” does not have to mean punishment.

When shaping behaviours or waiting for your dog to offer a behaviour, I may use “No” as an information marker.

For example, I may hold up my empty hands, shake my head and calmly say:

“No.”

This simply communicates:

“That’s not what I’m looking for. Try again.”

It is important that “No” is delivered calmly and without intimidation. It is not a punishment and should not be used to frighten or correct the dog.

Think of it as another piece of information that helps your dog work out what behaviour will earn the reward.

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🐶 The Goal: Clear Communication

Good training isn’t about giving your dog more commands — it’s about improving the conversation between you and your dog.

When we consistently use commands, hand signals and different types of markers, our dogs learn to understand exactly what we are communicating.

Clear communication + consistency + reinforcement = better learning

The better we communicate, the easier it becomes for our dogs to succeed.