The Moment That Matters Most: What to Do When Your Dog Gets It Right

Let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked in dog training—the moment your dog gets it right.

They sit when you ask. They walk past a barking dog without reacting. They look to you instead of chasing a squirrel. That right there? That’s the gold.

And yet... most people miss it. Or they give a half-hearted “good dog” while already moving on.

But here’s the truth:

If you want your dog to repeat a behavior, what you do in that moment matters more than anything else.

Reinforcement Is How Dogs Learn

Dogs learn through consequences—good and bad. But we’re not looking to punish mistakes here. We’re looking to build the good stuff.

When something good happens right after a behavior, your dog is more likely to do that behavior again. That’s how habits are formed.

So when your dog gets it right—mark it, reward it, and let them know they nailed it.

What’s a Marker, and Why It Matters

A marker is a clear signal that tells your dog:

“Yes! That thing you just did—that’s what I wanted.”

It could be a clicker.
It could be a verbal marker like “yes” or “good.”
It could even be a short sound or signal you use consistently.

The power of marking is all in the timing. You’re capturing the exact moment your dog does the thing you like, even if the reward comes a second later.

Mark first → reward second. That one-two punch is what builds behavior.

Reinforcement: More Than Just Treats

Food is a fantastic reinforcer, especially during early learning—but it’s not the only option. Reinforcement should be something your dog finds valuable in that moment.

Some ideas:

• Tasty treats

• Toys or play

• Praise (but make it meaningful—not just filler)

• Access to something they want (sniffing, exploring, greeting)

• Affection (if your dog genuinely enjoys it)

Think about what lights your dog up—and use that to pay them for a job well done.

Don’t Wait for Perfection

Here’s where most people get stuck: they only reward the big wins. But great training is built on reinforcing the little stuff:

• That quick check-in on a walk? Mark and reward.

• The calm moment before jumping starts? Mark and reward.

• The default sit while you’re distracted? Mark and reward.

If you want to see it again, celebrate it now.

And if your dog offers a good behavior on their own, without being asked? Jackpot.

Final Thoughts

Dog training isn’t just about correcting what goes wrong—it’s about noticing and reinforcing what’s going right.

So the next time your dog makes a great choice—even a small one—don’t let it slip by.

Mark it. Reinforce it. Let them know they crushed it.

Because in training (and in life), it’s the moments you notice that shape the behavior you keep.