Click, Treat, Groom

Using Marker Training for a Stress-Free Grooming Experience

Grooming may be a stressful experience for some dogs, but introducing marker training can help it become a positive and rewarding process. A marker is a sound or word (such as "yes" or a click from a clicker) that signals to your dog that they have done something right and a reward for doing that is coming. When used correctly, this technique helps dogs feel more comfortable, engaged, and willing to cooperate during grooming sessions.

Clicker or marker training can provide precise timing, help to eliminate confusion and allows for consistent communication between you and your dog.  If your dog is worried about the clicker the marker word will be more suitable for them.

Choose Your Marker

Decide on a consistent marker—usually a audio cue like the word "yes" or a click.

A clicker is a small handheld device that makes a distinctive “click” sound when pressed.  When the clicker is paired with something the dog finds rewarding such as food, it helps your dog associate the behaviour they were performing at that time with a positive outcome, making teaching and training clearer and more effective.    

A marker word is a consistent verbal word used to signal to your dog that they have performed a desired behaviour correctly.  It works in the same way as the clicker, marking the exact moment the behaviour occurs and is always followed by a reward. The marker word might be better used for a dog that is worried by the click or the handler with low dexterity.

Charge the clicker or marker word

Charging a clicker or marker word is essential because dogs don’t naturally understand what the word or click means. The process of charging (or conditioning) the clicker creates a strong association between the sound and a reward, making the click or marker word a powerful training tool.  This training needs to be done over several short sessions, ideally for a few minutes each day until your dog automatically responds to the marker by looking for a reward.

·       Begin with high-value treats. Make sure they are small, soft and delicious; small pieces of chicken, cheese or training treats are ideal.

·       Begin in a quiet area with no distractions.

·       When your dog looks at you click or say your marker word.  “Yes” “Bingo” and “Nice” are good words to use.  Repeat this about ten times. 

·       Do not ask for any particular behaviours at this time, you are simply building an association.

Once your dog is anticipating the reward you are ready to move on.

·       Wait for your dog to offer a behaviour naturally, such as a sit, then click or say your marker word when it is complete and reward.  Repeat this several times.

·       Your dog will soon realise that this behaviour caused you to mark it, some dogs may start to offer behaviour to see if they can get you to mark it.

·       Once this is happening you are ready to use this method for grooming.

Pair the Marker with Grooming

Break the grooming process into small steps and use your marker (“yes” or click) to reinforce the behaviour you want. 

Touch the brush to their back → Mark → Reward.

Touch the brush to the leg → Mark → Reward.

Lift their paw → Mark → Reward.

Lift their ear → Mark → Reward.

Once your dog is comfortable with each step, slowly build up to longer grooming sessions and handling sensitive areas.  Continue marking and rewarding desired behaviour.  Keep the sessions short and end on an area your dog tolerates readily such as their back.

Don’t punish your dog!

While it may be frustrating if your dog resists brushing, nail trimming or bathing, punishing them during grooming will have no benefit at all.

Dogs do not understand why you would use punishment for their natural behaviour and if they associate grooming with fear of being punished, they may become more resistant or resort to aggressive behaviours over time. A dog that is punished during grooming may develop a long-term fear of the process, making future sessions even more difficult for you and more stressful for them.

Building a trusting relationship with your dog is crucial. If they feel threatened or unsafe during grooming, they may begin to distrust you in other situations as well. Trust is key to cooperation, and once broken, it can take a long time to rebuild.

Benefits of Marker Training in Grooming

✔ Reduces Anxiety – Helps dogs understand what’s expected of them and builds confidence.

✔ Encourages Cooperation – Creates a positive association with grooming tools and handling.

✔ Strengthens the Bond – Makes grooming a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both dog and owner.

✔ Improves Future Sessions – Over time, dogs become more willing and relaxed during grooming.

By introducing marker training into your grooming routine, you can turn what was once a stressful task into a positive and rewarding experience for your dog. With patience, consistency, and plenty of rewards, grooming can become something your dog looks forward to rather than fears or resist!