Lure/reward training is a positive and easy way to teach your dog basic behaviors and make learning fun.
If you’re looking for a way to teach your dog the basics in a way that's easy for both of you and motivating for your dog, consider lure/reward training. Lure/reward training simply involves using a food reward to guide the dog into a desired position or behavior, and then giving her the food as her reward.
Because most dogs are motivated by food, especially high-value rewards such as hot dogs or chicken, this technique is a great way to teach your dog new cues and behaviors.
How does lure/reward training work?
For lure/reward training, you will need food that your dog likes and is motivated to follow with her nose. This could be something as simple as kibble for some dogs but might need to be of higher value for others. You will then use the food lure to lead your dog into a position and give her the food once she's there.
Lure-reward training works well because there is a very clear connection between what the dog wants (the treat!) and what you are requesting (such as ‘sit’). Because lure/reward training focuses only on motivation and not punishment or withholding things, the dog becomes a very eager learner.
What behaviors can be taught with lure/reward training?
You can teach just about anything with lure/reward training, including:
Example: using lure/reward training for teaching a dog to sit
- Hold a treat to the dog’s nose and then guide the treat slightly upwards so her nose and head lift a little to follow the treat.
- By guiding the dog's head up and back as she follows the treat, her haunches will naturally lower, like a see-saw.
- Hold or move the treat ever so slowly, until her behind touches the ground, so that she must sit down in order to look at the treat.
- As soon as the dog’s behind touches the floor, mark the behavior with either a clicker or marker word and give her the treat.
With repetition, the dog begins to associate the behavior with a reward and will continue to perform that behavior in order to get more rewards. Positively reinforcing the desired behavior means the behavior will likely be repeated.
Tips for using lure/reward training
- If your dog doesn’t do the behavior, consider moving the lure more slowly or at shorter distances.
- If your dog won’t follow the lure or seems distracted, try a higher-value food.
- When teaching a sit or down, choose a non-slip surface, which is easier for dogs to walk on without slipping.
- If your dog does not want to go into any of these positions it might be because they are physically uncomfortable for her, or she is uncomfortable in the learning environment.
- Lure/reward training can be used in combination with other methods as well.
With patience, good timing, and frequent repetition, you can teach your dog all kinds of new behaviors using lure/reward training, but take care when teaching any skill. Make sure that there is a reason for every skill you teach your dog and avoid too much repetition. Sit is not always a preferred or comfortable position for dogs to be in. Skills like lying down and staying on cue are useful, but keep in mind that you are asking your dog to stay in one place in what can feel like a vulnerable position, especially if your dog is outside in an environment she doesn't feel comfortable in. Always consider your dog's environment and how she is feeling before you ask her to do anything and if she doesn't respond she is not being disrespectful or stubborn. There is always a reason and it's up to you to find out why and what you can do to make the environment easier for her.
