PAIRING & MARKERS- TRAINING TOOLS for dog and handler

In our TRAIN TO TRIAL & TRIAL TO TRAIN series we have explored the concepts of source and sourcing odor pathways with keen handler observation and the needed goals and resources for training competent skill sets to thrive in training AND in trial. Along this training and trial journey we (handlers and trainers) use numerous tools to build skill sets and clarity for both the dog and the handler. TWO IMPORTANT tools often used that directly relate to SOURCE, are pairing (food or toy at source) and markers (verbal source locators).  Lets discuss the INS and OUTS of these TWO TOOLS and how similar and how different they actually are or may be !

TO PAIR OR NOT TO PAIR - TO MARK OR NOT TO MARK - THAT IS THE QUESTION !