Luring is a training technique that involves using a small object, such as a toy or a treat, to coax a dog into performing a specific behavior. It can be a useful way to teach a dog new behaviors, especially for dogs that are food-motivated or toy-motivated. Here is a step-by-step guide for teaching a dog to lure:
- Choose a small object to use as the lure, such as a toy or a treat.
- Hold the lure in front of the dog’s nose and move it slowly in the direction you want the dog to go. For example, if you want the dog to sit, move the lure up and over the dog’s head.
- As the dog follows the lure, use a verbal cue such as “sit” to let the dog know what behavior you are looking for.
- When the dog performs the behavior, immediately reward the dog with the lure and praise.
- Repeat the process a few times, gradually fading out the use of the lure as the dog becomes more reliable at performing the behavior.
- Practice the behavior in different locations and with different distractions to help the dog generalize the behavior.
It’s important to remember that luring should only be used as a training tool and not as a permanent way to get a dog to perform a behavior. Once the dog has learned the behavior, the lure can be phased out and the behavior can be prompted with a verbal or hand signal cue.
