The use of luring in clicker training has long been a controversial topic, with positions even including the extreme statement that “using lures is not clicker training.” Many clicker trainers believe lures are problematic, claiming that lures become required cues for response and that they distract learners from an awareness of their behavior. Other clicker trainers claim that lures allow them to prompt desired behavior quickly, making the training process much faster. This Learning Lab will demonstrate that both opinions can be accurate. The focus will be on the effective use of lures in a positive reinforcement program, in harmony with clicker training, avoiding problems that hinder training progress.

This Lab will also focus on advanced luring handling skills for the trainer. Did you think that luring a dog into a behavior is a simple process? Just hold food near the dog’s nose and the dog will follow it, right? Advanced luring skills offer the handler the ability to move specific body parts in precise directions. The ability to isolate movement to specific parts of the learners’ body is beneficial for training a variety of positions and behaviors.

Training sessions should use strategically applied lures to initiate desired behavior. As the training progresses, lures are thoughtfully omitted as visual cues evolve that prompt the behavior. As lures disappear, effective timing of the click will continue the behavior-training progress.

Please note: This course was presented at ClickerExpo LIVE 2021; the course content will be similar, but the training is LIVE so the experience will be unique and you’ll likely learn something new!

CEUs may only be earned by 2022 ClickerExpo LIVE registrants. Closed captioning is available on the full version of this course.