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PetariumPetarium

Updated 2026-09-21

Charging a marker signal

Give the animal a clear signal that tells them exactly which choice earned the reward.

DogsCatsRabbitsBirds1–2 minutes
Calm reward-based training setup for dogs and cats and rabbits and birds
Four-stage reward-based training progression: set up, mark, reward and progress
Set up an easy success, mark the wanted choice, reward promptly and add only one small challenge at a time.

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Pair sound and food

    Click once, then deliver one reward. Repeat ten to fifteen times without asking for any behaviour.

  2. Step 2

    Check the response

    Click when the animal is looking away; they should turn expectantly towards the reward hand.

  3. Step 3

    Mark real behaviour

    Begin clicking the exact moment an easy behaviour happens, then reward within a second or two.

  4. Step 4

    Keep it honest

    Every click is always followed by a reward, even if you clicked by mistake.

Troubleshooting

  • Muffle the clicker in a pocket for sound-sensitive animals or use a soft word instead.
  • If the animal loses interest, shorten the session and improve the reward.