Encourage Each Lure Step

First Thing To Teach Your Dog: The Lure

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First Thing To Teach Your Dog: The Lure

Before sharing the first thing to teach your dog, did you know your dog can learn up to 200 words, if not more? Of course, at least from my experience, a lot of dog parents would be happy with 10-15!

That said, whether aiming high or happy with your dog knowing just a few basics, where do you begin?

Well, to create a base for all your training together, the first thing to teach your dog is the lure; This wonderful foundational exercise will strengthen your bond with your dog, build their confidence, and allow you to practice using your conditioned reinforcers (like “Good”), timing, and treat dispensing. Warning: The lure is not as easy as it seems!

Lure = Rewarding your dog for following your closed, baited fist.

Establishing this tool allows you to utilize its mechanics when teaching your dog to perform a variety of more specific behaviors like come, sit, down, look, and many more.

Luring is NOT bribing. In other words, you should not show your dog food (or toys) to get them to follow your hand. Luring, nor any other behavior, does NOT involve physical manipulation of their bodies (pushing their butt down, tugging on their leash, pulling their collar, etc).

Now that we know the advantages of having the lure be the first thing to teach your dog, some of the possible behaviors it can help build, and what to avoid doing, let’s go over how to get started step-by-step.

The First Thing To Teach Your Dog:
The Lure Step-By-Step

Goal: Your dog follows your closed, baited fist and takes 3 steps

Tools Needed: Willingness to adjust the goal based on your dog’s comprehension and performance, small, soft treats prepared into pea-sized pieces, and a treat pouch

Words Used: Conditioned reinforcers, “Yes” and “Good”

Yes

Used when your dog is on the right track and getting closer to the goal, but no treats, toys, or petting are given yet. Can and should be said often.

Good

Said within 1.5 seconds of your dog completing the goal, followed by treats, toys, and/or petting, depending on what your dog finds rewarding.

The First Thing To Teach Your Dog, The Lure In A Quiet Room

First Thing To Teach Your Dog: The Lure
Step One

Put a handful of pea-sized, tasty treats in your treat pouch.

Bring your dog into a quiet room, non-slippery surfaced room.

Bait Your Luring Hand

Step Two

Bait your luring hand by placing 5-10 treats in the palm of your hand and closing your fist.

Put another 5-10 treats in your other non-luring first behind your back.

Stand slightly off to the front side of your dog.

Training Tip: If your dog is small, sit in a chair or on the ground.

Hold Baited Fist For Lure Close To Dog's Nose

Step Three

Place your closed, baited fist, palm down, 3 inches in front of your dog’s nose at their nose height.

Dogs Nose Height = Dog’s Nose Parallel To Ground & Eyes Looking Toward The Horizon, Not The Sky

Say Good For Any Interest In Lure

Step Four

The second your dog:

  • Looks
  • Sniffs
  • Reaches toward

your baited fist, say, “Yes.”

Encourage Each Lure Step

Step Five

Keep saying, “Yes,” for continuing interest as long as it’s not bad behaviors like pawing, nipping, etc.

Build Distance Of Lure

Step Six

Slowly move your fist away from your dog’s nose parallel to the ground at their nose height.

Say, “Good,” the second they take one step forward, then treat (before they may sit).

Troubleshooting: If your dog doesn’t budge, say, “Good,” for any look, sniff, or reach, then treat.

Keep your hand within 3 inches of your dog’s nose and take a few small steps away from them to encourage movement.

Repeat Lure Steps

Step Seven

Once your dog easily takes one step, advance the criteria to two steps, saying, “Good,” the second they step twice, then treat.

As your dog becomes proficient gradually increase to 3, then 4, then 5+ steps forward, turning and/or spinning.

Tell them, “Yes,” for steps 1, 2, 3, etc., and, “Good,” then treat for the last one!

Troubleshooting The First Thing To Teach Your Dog: The Lure

If your dog is jumping, lifting their front feet, or sitting, adjust the height and speed you move your baited fist.

  • Slowly drag your baited fist from your dog’s nose at a snail’s pace, never having more than 3 inches between your fist and their nose.
  • Keep your baited fist at your dog’s nose level so their eyes are looking to the horizon, not the sky.

If your dog is licking, nipping, or pawing your hand:

  • Maintain a 3-inch distance between your fist and your dog’s nose.
  • Say, “Good,” then treat from your non-luring hand for the first sniff, lean, or step, before they make contact with your luring fist.
  • Use lower-value food, like their kibble.
  • Practice when they are less hungry and/or more tired.

Tried all these tips and still having trouble?

  • Stop for the day, give your dog an enrichment activity, and try again another time.
  • Revisit the tips and keep the next training session(s) short, focusing on keeping it fun and rewarding for your dog to follow your baited fist.

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