Fading a lure is an essential skill in positive reinforcement dog training that helps transition your dog from relying on a piece of food held in hand to responding to cues independently. Using an errorless dog training technique ensures this transition is smooth and stress-free, promoting confidence and clarity in your dog’s learning process.
Reduces Dependency: Gradually removing the lure prevents your dog from becoming reliant on it.
Builds Confidence: Minimizing mistakes helps your dog feel successful and engaged.
Enhances Learning: A clear, step-by-step process reinforces understanding and retention.
Step 1: Establish the Behavior with a Lure
Begin by using a high-value, smelly treat held in hand to guide your dog through the desired behavior/into the desired body position.
Ensure your dog performs the behavior reliably with the lure before proceeding.
Step 2: Reduce Lure Prominence
Make the lure less obvious, such as holding it in a closed hand instead of openly displaying it.
Decrease the value of the lure (i.e., change from chicken to kibble or even down to broccoli), or make it smaller.
Switch to rewarding your dog from the other hand or from a treat pouch or the counter with the high-value treat.
Step 3: Transition to Empty Hand Gesture
Once your dog responds well to the reduced lure, begin using an empty hand to mimic the luring motion.
Continue rewarding your dog for performing the behavior correctly.
Step 4: Create a Specific Hand Cue
Consider how to change the luring gesture to a more subtle one.
e.g., “Sit” cue changes from treat in fingers leading nose into air, to treat in closed fist leading nose into air, to empty fist held still out above pup’s head.
Need a little extra support? Book a complimentary call with one of our dog experts
Keep training sessions short and positive.
Use high-value rewards initially, then vary them as your dog becomes more proficient.
Be patient and progress at your dog’s pace.
If your dog struggles, go back a step and reinforce their understanding before moving forward.
Fading a lure in dog training using errorless dog training techniques helps your dog learn to perform behaviors independently and confidently. By gradually reducing reliance on lures while reinforcing success, you build a strong foundation for reliable responses to cues in various situations. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement dog training, you can help your dog transition smoothly from lured behaviors to confident, cue-based actions.
Our team of certified trainers and behaviorists brings over 50 years of combined experience, and every expert is personally vetted, Fear Free certified, and deeply committed to helping dogs (and their people) thrive at home. Need help with your pup? Talk to a dog expert today.
