A Positive Marker is a signal that is used to communicate the exact instant that a behavior is correct and that predicts a positive consequence.
A click of the clicker is a Positive Marker in clicker training. A verbal Positive Marker is also commonly used,”Yes!” being the most popular.
Usage of a Positive Marker great speeds up learning and also allows the handler to get very precise in reinforcing behaviors. Given the speed of disc dog freestyle the ability to identify, precisely, the things you want to see, and attach consequent reinforcement to those behaviors, is a big deal.
Positive Markers should not be confused with praise, or verbal reinforcement. The Positive Marker happens at the exact moment, not after the behavior, and when it comes to marking behaviors:
Better never than Late.