Fading The Lure: How to Fade The Food Lure
Hey there, fellow Portland Area Dog Lovers! Do you feel like your dog training is in a bit of a rut, like your dog is not really doing the things you taught without a treat?
Not to worry; we’ve got something cool to share with you – a nifty way to move past the lure and solidify that verbal cue.
So, we all know luring is pretty awesome, right? (For more on luring, click here) It's like the magic wand for teaching everything from SIT and DOWN to the fancy tricks like SPIN and ROLL-OVER. But, here's the thing – as cool as luring is, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. You can't count on it to fix behavioral issues like reactivity or separation anxiety.
Now, picture this: Dog owners and some dog trainers alike, falling into the luring trap, treats always in hand, and the struggle to move beyond it. That's where fading the lure comes in – You want them responding to your words, not just chasing after a treat.
Sure, some folks might suggest hand signals to bridge the gap, but trust me, it's not all it’s cracked up to be. Dogs might get just as hooked on hand signals as they do on treats, and if your pup isn't looking at you, those signals are useless.
So that’s why we opted to lean into leash pressure – the unsung hero in dog training. It's like the middle ground between luring and verbal cues, guiding your dog without the distraction of treats and keeping them fully focused.
Now, let's talk about a game-changer – Jean Donaldson's "Push Drop Stick." Break your training into bite-sized chunks, and if your dog nails it, move on; if not, take a step back. It's like a dance of progress and patience.
Combine leash pressure with this method, and boom – a foolproof framework for training dogs. Not the only way to fade a lure, but it's a darn effective one.
Break it down into six stages:
Lure your dog for the desired behavior – easy peasy. If it looks good, move on.
Add a bit of Leash Pressure to the Lure – like a little nudge. If they're rocking it, push to the next stage.
Throw in the verbal cue with the lure and leash pressure – add some words to the mix. If it clicks, push forward.
Check if your dog gets it with just Leash Pressure – simplicity at its best. If yes, move on; if not, go back to lure and leash pressure.
Now, the magic moments:
Verbal Cue plus Leash Pressure – a bit of both. Gradually ease off the leash pressure.
Verbal Cue alone – jackpot!
And there you have it – a laid-back guide to fading the lure.
If you want more details, check out in this video. Practice makes progress, Happy Training!
