Fading Out The Lure

[shmoo]

My essay is due tomorrow

Just wanted to check with the wide world of DOL intelligence that I have not forgotten something:

Write a short essay (max 500 words) explaining why it is important to fade out the lure when using food to lure a behaviour when training a dog.

While using the food to train, it should only be used as a reward, not a bribe to get the dog to perform the desired behaviour. There is no reason to show the dog the reward or even motion towards your treat pouch without first having done the desired behaviour if you have taught the cue reliably. Doing this will teach the dog that it either: does not have to perform the cue if it does not think a treat is coming or you may accidently teach your dog a cue, such as the opening your treat pouch or reaching for the treat (which is possibly not the cue you have intended) for the desired behaviour.

To be considered reliable, the dog must respond to your cue (usually a voice command or specific hand signal) at least 80 percent of the time without additional lures or prompts.

For example, you want your dog to learn that “drop” means to lay down. You will want to be able to do this in future without you having to offer food, bend over and point to the floor or move a treat down past his nose. Once you have successfully added the cue and the dog has the desired behaviour happening just by saying your verbal command, fade out the food reward by only offering it every few random times.

Food rewards must be faded out gradually or else the dog may lose interest quickly. Try not to create a pattern as some dogs are smart enough to recognise this!

If the lure is not faded during training programs, the dog can become dependent on the presence of the lure (for example the food) to perform the desired behaviour and will only comply when they know a food treat is coming. This is not helpful if you are not always carrying treats! Food rewards are also not always acceptable in some training or obedience classes.

Edited June 16, 2010 by shmoo

[Jigsaw]

I think I would put in first something about why a lure is sometimes used for teaching a behaviour and then continue with your essay.

Edited June 16, 2010 by Jigsaw

[bedazzledx2]

I agree with jigsaw. I would also add that whilst its important to fade the lure in order to create reliability, its also important to remember to reward in position. A good way to randomly reward is to select the best, fastest responses. Good luck with your essay...it looks good to me.

[shmoo]

Ty!!