Hey, it's Oscar.
Let me ask you something:
When you call your dog, what do you say?
Most people say "COME" and hope for the best.
And sometimes the dog comes. Sometimes he doesn't. Sometimes he looks at you, thinks about it, and then keeps doing whatever he was doing.
Here's why that happens: Your dog doesn't know what happens when he comes.
Is he getting released to go play? Is he supposed to stay with you? Is there a reward coming?
He has no idea. So he's guessing.
In today's issue:
The 3 markers that eliminate confusion
The recall game that works on 90% of dogs
How to add distraction (the hard part)
What I'd do differently now (6 years later)
The 3 Markers You Need:
I use three markers instead of one:
YES – Release marker. You can break position, reward is coming.
GET IT – Food toss. I'm throwing a treat, go get it.
GOOD – Duration marker. Stay right there, don't move.
These three words eliminate confusion. Your dog knows exactly what's expected every single time.
“This teaches him that checking in with you has value.”
The Recall Game (Step-by-Step):
Here's how I teach recall using all three markers:
Step 1: Start the Game
Toss a piece of food and say "GET IT!"
Dog runs to get it
Call him back: "[Dog's name], COME!"
As soon as he turns toward you, mark it: YES!
Reward with 2-3 treats when he gets to you
Repeat that 10 times. That's the foundation.
Step 2: Add the GOOD Marker
Once your dog is coming back reliably, introduce GOOD.
When he checks in with you, instead of releasing him with YES, say GOOD and keep feeding him while he stays in front of you.
GOOD = "stay here, more is coming."
This teaches him that checking in with you has value. He doesn't have to run off immediately.
Common Mistakes I See:
Only rewarding with one treat. Your dog just chose YOU over a distraction. That deserves a jackpot, not one piece of kibble.
Repeating the command over and over. Say it once or twice, then wait. If you repeat it 10 times, you're teaching your dog he doesn't have to come the first time.
Not using all three markers. YES, GET IT, and GOOD each have a purpose. Use them consistently.
What I'd Do Differently Now (6 Years Later):
I used to get frustrated when dogs didn't pick this up immediately.
Some dogs get it in 10 reps. Some need 100. That's just how it is.
I also learned that some dogs need MORE value with the distraction (the helper) before they'll willingly leave it. So now I have the helper reward the dog a few times first. Build value there. THEN call the dog back.
It sounds backwards, but it works. The dog learns: "Even when good stuff is over there, better stuff happens when I go to Oscar."
And one more thing: I used to teach this indoors and then expect it to work at the dog park.
Now? I proof the hell out of it. Indoors, backyard, front yard, park with no dogs, park with dogs far away, park with dogs close. Layer the difficulty.
You have to make sure you use all three of them and the dog understands what each marker means. Once you do that, then you start playing these recall games where you toss it, you insert the cue for the dog to come back to you.
“That's not suppression. That's teaching boundaries.”
Your Action Step This Week:
Start the recall game. Just you, your dog, and some treats.
Toss food (GET IT)
Call your dog back
Mark with YES when he turns toward you
Reward when he gets to you
Do 10 reps. That's it.
If your dog is already anticipating the recall and coming back before you even call him, that's a GOOD problem. It means he's starting to get it.
Until Next week,
— Oscar
Elevated Canine Academy
NEXT WEEK:
We're getting into luring - how to teach sit, down, and other behaviors without forcing your dog into position. And more importantly, when to stop luring.
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT
I'm dropping a full training course on Foundation to Function soon.
3+ hours of exactly how I use these markers to build sport dogs.
This isn't a highlight reel. This is the real process - mistakes, adjustments, corrections, and all.
What's Inside:
I break down play mechanics,
engagement building, and
marker loading step-by-step.
Engagement building (the main ingredient)
Sign up and get on the waiting list for early access and
More details coming soon.
THAT'S A WRAP
3 ways I can help:
1) Elevated Canine Academy — Professional training in LA, San Diego, and Dallas. From pet obedience to competition prep. Book a consultation »Elevated Canine Academy
2) Oscar Mora Obedience Course — My first instructional course drops August 2024. Full foundation to competition-level work. Join the waitlist »
3) Undrdog Brand — Training equipment built by trainers, for trainers. Vests, tugs, and more at Undrdog Brand»
Until next week,
- Oscar Mora
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