Guiding movement with a simple reward.
Luring
Luring is a training technique where a treat or target is used to guide the dog into performing a desired movement or position. The lure acts as both motivation and direction, making it easy for dogs to understand what is being asked.
Common examples include holding a treat above a dog’s nose to encourage a sit, or moving the treat along the ground to guide a down. Once the behaviour is established, the lure is faded out, and cues and reinforcement take over.
Luring provides instant clarity – the hand shows the way, the dog follows, and success is immediately rewarded.
Core benefits of luring include:
- Quickly teaching basic positions like sit, down, or stand
- Reducing confusion by physically guiding behaviour
- Providing motivation through the lure itself
- Serving as a stepping stone to more advanced training methods
A well-placed lure is often the first step from chaos to communication.
Luring – FAQ
To guide the dog into a specific movement or position using a treat or target, making training easier and clearer.
Once the dog reliably performs the behaviour, gradually reduce the use of the treat as a guide and switch to a hand signal or verbal cue.
Yes, if not phased out correctly. Dogs may wait for the lure instead of responding to cues. Proper fading ensures independence from the lure.
Luring is best for teaching simple behaviours. Complex behaviours are usually better taught with shaping or capturing.
No. Toys, targets, or even movement of the hand can serve as lures. Food is most common, but not the only option.
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