Distraction, Marker, Treat
- Rachael Haddan
- Aug 3, 2025
- 3 min read
How to Use DMT (Distraction, Marker, Treat) to Help Your Dog Stay Calm and Confident
If your dog becomes anxious, fearful, or overexcited around other dogs, people, or distractions, you're not alone. Many dogs struggle to navigate the big, busy world calmly—and that’s where DMT (Distraction, Marker, Treat) comes in.
DMT is a powerful, science-backed training technique that uses positive reinforcement to help your dog feel safe, confident, and focused even in the presence of triggers.
🧠 What is DMT?
DMT stands for Distraction, Marker, Treat. It’s a simple method that teaches your dog to associate things they might find stressful—like other dogs, people, skateboards, or even loud noises—with something positive: delicious treats and clear communication from you.
DMT can help:
Prevent the development of negative associations with other dogs or distractions
Counter-condition fear or reactivity in dogs already struggling
Build calm, attentive behavior in the presence of known triggers
This technique is especially useful for puppies, newly adopted dogs, or any dog working through fear-based behaviors.
🐾 Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching DMT
Step 1: Teach the Marker
Begin in a calm, quiet environment.
1. Say your chosen marker word (like “Yes!”) or use a clicker.
2. Immediately toss a treat.
3. Repeat 5 times in a row, 2–4 times a day for one week.
This helps your dog understand that the marker predicts something good is coming.
Step 2: Add a Mild Distraction
Invite a calm, familiar person to participate in the exercise. Ask them to engage with your dog without using your dog’s name, as the name is typically associated with following cues. In this scenario, the person should serve solely as a distraction—not as someone giving instructions or prompting behavior.
1. When your dog notices the person, say “Yes!” or click, and toss a treat to your dog.
2. Repeat just like in Step 1, over several short sessions.
This helps your dog start linking distractions with good outcomes—without stress.
Step 3: Expand to Everyday Distractions
Start marking and treating when your dog notices mild, non-triggering stimuli like household sounds, a passing car, or a bird outside the window. This builds resilience and helps generalize the skill.
Step 4: Introduce Triggers at a Distance
Now you’re ready to work on real triggers (dogs, strangers, bikes, etc.), at a distance where your dog stays calm.
1. When your dog notices the trigger (without reacting), mark and treat right away.
2. Don’t wait for a reaction—catch the moment they see it but are still calm.
3. Keep sessions short and positive.
Step 5: Gradually Increase the Challenge
As your dog becomes more relaxed and confident, slowly reduce the distance to the trigger or increase intensity (e.g., a moving skateboard instead of a stationary one). Always mark and reward calm, alert behavior.
Pro tip: Use high-value rewards like cooked chicken, liver, or bacon to boost motivation and help create a stronger positive emotional response.
🍗 Bonus Recipe: Homemade Baked Chicken Training Treats
Want to level up your DMT practice? Try these simple, healthy treats your dog will go nuts for:
Ingredients & Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Place 10–12 boneless chicken breasts on foil-lined trays.
3. Bake for 35 minutes, drain the liquid, then bake for another 37 minutes.
4. Cool and chop into small, bite-sized training treats.
5. Freeze in portions and thaw before use.
These treats are perfect for reinforcing calm behavior in high-stress situations.
💛 Make It Fun!
In between DMT practice, remember to play with your dog! Play reduces stress, builds trust, and strengthens your bond. Whether it’s tug, fetch, or just rolling in the grass together—keep it joyful.
Need Help?
If your dog is struggling with fear, reactivity, or overwhelming distractions, you don’t have to go it alone. I offer compassionate, evidence-based training and behavior modification tailored to your dog’s unique needs.
Let’s help your dog feel safe and thrive—together.
Warmly,
Rachael Haddan
Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Behav-N-Dogs Pet Services
📞 719-334-8111
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