Tuesday Training Byte: Fading the food lure

I like to make things simple but easy to maintain the dog's success. That is why are start training using food lures to encourage the pup into the correct position without physically guiding him. As soon as the pup hits the correct position following the food lure, I mark the good behavior with a "Yes!" and immediately giving the treat from that hand. Once my dog reliably will come and sit, then I will ask for a couple or more behaviors before giving him the treat. Still, I mark the correct behavior the a "Yes", just no food reward. If my dog can only manage to follow three requests in a row before getting the food treat, I do not progress, but will revert back to one command then the treat.

Because I like my dogs to always respond to my commands with the first command (no nagging), I take this process slowly. For obedience competition, I am only permitted to give one command and cannot take a clicker or food into the ring with me. I gradually replace the food with extra praise and petting or toss him his favorite toy. After my dog can follow 4 or 5 commands consistently without reward, I start leaving the treats and toys just outside of the training area and we go get them at the end for the big jackpot reward of food, play, and praise. A key is that your dog will quit working for you if you forget to pay him with rewards.

This is another trick that I have found very helpful: Dogs understand body language and our big cheesy smile. So when I mark the correct behavior with a "Yes!" I have a big smile on my face. Generally, my dog will respond by smiling back up at me. I can smile all I want in the competition ring! So when I am out with my dog and accidentally left the treats in the car, I can smile at my dog and he knows that I am happy with his behavior, and the smile serves as his reward. Dogs are very sentient beings and will pick up on your pleased attitude, and reflect that in their behavior. Even my seasoned competition dogs get plenty of praise and smiles from me. Even if you love your job, you would likely quit working there if the paychecks stopped coming. Your praise is your dog's paycheck. Happy training!

Grant smiling at me when I called him to come.