Multiple Markers: Are they Necessary?

In this episode, Jerry Bradshaw discusses:

Multiple markers for different reward types.
The purpose of markers and when a marker may or may not be necessary.
Types of markers and what they indicate to your dog (even if you didn’t intend for that behavior).
Reward prediction error and reward preferences.

Key Takeaways:

With more rehearsal, the neurons that release dopamine activate on the expectation of reward, not when the reward is delivered.
Markers create clarity in behavior.
A marker is something that calls attention to a moment in time when the dog did something that’s rewardable. It allows us to bridge from behavior to reward delivery.
It is not about the marker. It is about the goal directed behavior getting rewarded on a variable basis.

“The most important thing here is the behavior. Don’t get so hung up on the marker itself, it’s the behavior. Our goal as dog trainers is to create behaviors that are going to be in line with what is expected.” — Jerry Bradshaw

Get Jerry’s book Controlled Aggression on Amazon.com

Episode References:

Fenzi Dog Sports Academy: https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/

Dr. Robert Sapolsky: https://profiles.stanford.edu/robert-sapolsky

Dopamine, Anticipation, & Relationships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIRZu1dRp8Q

Contact Jerry:

Website: controlledaggressionpodcast.com

Email: [email protected]

Tarheel Canine Training: www.tarheelcanine.com

Youtube: tarheelcanine

Twitter: @tarheelcanine

Instagram: @tarheelk9