Objective:
In this lesson, you will learn how to transition your dog from relying on food lures to responding to verbal commands and hand signals first. This process helps the dog perform behaviours reliably without the constant need for treats, making training more effective in real-world scenarios.
Why It’s Important:
Using a food lure is a great way to teach a new behaviour, but if a dog becomes dependent on seeing the treat first, they may not respond without it, which is bribery! By fading the lure and introducing a command, we ensure the dog understands and follows the cue itself rather than just chasing food.
Key Steps:
- Introduce the Command:
- Start by using a food lure to guide the dog into the desired position (e.g., “sit” or “down”).
- As the dog follows the lure, begin saying the verbal command before using the lure.
- Repeat this process multiple times until the dog starts associating the word with the movement.
- Reduce the Dependence on the Food Lure:
- Gradually make the lure less obvious by using a smaller hand movement or keeping the treat hidden.
- Begin rewarding only after the dog completes the behaviour, rather than using the treat as a guide.
- Switch to a Hand Signal:
- Replace the lure with a clear hand gesture that mimics the movement of the lure.
- Give the verbal command first, followed by the hand signal, rewarding the dog for responding correctly.
- Reinforce the Behaviour Without a Lure:
- Continue practicing with just the verbal command and hand signal, rewarding only after the dog performs the behaviour.
- Randomise rewards, using praise, toys, or occasional treats to maintain motivation.
Common Challenges & Solutions:
- Dog ignores the cue without the treat: Go back to using a smaller lure and fade it more gradually.
- Dog is confused by the new command: Be consistent with your verbal cue and hand signal, ensuring they always mean the same thing.
- Dog stops responding: Increase reinforcement temporarily, then phase out the lure again slowly.
Conclusion:
By fading the food lure and adding a verbal command, dogs learn to respond reliably without needing to see a treat first.
This step is crucial for creating strong, lasting obedience and improving communication between the handler and the dog. With patience and consistency, your dog will soon follow commands with confidence!