Mark the behavior, not the vibe
Use marker timing to identify the exact behavior that earned reinforcement.
The move: treat the marker as information. A click, tongue click, or word like "yes" becomes useful only after the animal has learned that it predicts reinforcement. Once conditioned, it tells the learner, "that behavior is the one that worked." The marker should happen at the cleanest observable instant of the target behavior, not after you have reached for food or after the animal has already moved on. Use a three-part rhythm: see the criterion, mark it, deliver reinforcement. If the criterion is "four paws on the floor," mark while all four paws are down. If the criterion is "head…
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