We’ve all done it. Your puppy’s attention wanders, you whip out a treat, and suddenly you’ve got their undivided attention. It’s magic, right?

Well, almost.

Luring in dog training—guiding your dog into a position or movement by holding a treat in front of their nose—is a popular technique, especially for new puppy guardians. It feels intuitive because it gets immediate results.

But here’s the kicker: relying on luring can actually slow down training progress over time.

Why? Because the treat becomes the cue.

If you’re always showing the reward upfront, your pup isn’t really learning the behaviour—they’re just following food.

That’s why shifting to marker training—where your dog learns to associate a specific signal (like a click or a verbal “yes!”) with earning a reward—creates lasting, reliable behaviours.

What science says about luring

Research has shown that for behaviour to truly stick, dogs must actively engage in the learning process rather than passively follow a reward. Hiby, Rooney, & Bradshaw (2004) found that training methods encouraging active participation—such as shaping and positive reinforcement—lead to higher obedience and fewer behavioural issues compared to techniques that rely heavily on luring.

Similarly, Patricia McConnell (2010) discusses how excessive reliance on luring can create dependency on food cues, making it harder for dogs to understand and reliably perform behaviours without them. Encouraging dogs to think, problem-solve, and respond to clear marker signals builds stronger, more consistent behaviours over time.

Clear, consistent markers have long been recognized as an effective way to improve communication between dog and handler. Karen Pryor, a pioneer of clicker training, has demonstrated through extensive work in operant conditioning that marker-based training enhances clarity and accelerates learning. In her book Reaching the Animal Mind, she explains how clicker training helps animals—including dogs—learn faster and more effectively by providing immediate, clear feedback.

From following treats to active learners

To transform your dog from a passive follower into an active learner, follow these three simple steps:

1. Introduce clear markers: Use a consistent marker signal (like a click or a word such as “yes!”) to indicate precisely when your dog performs the desired behaviour.
2. Reward thoughtfully: Immediately after marking, offer the reward to reinforce the behaviour and make the lesson clear.
3. Repeat and reinforce: Keep sessions short and frequent, rewarding behaviours your dog offers willingly instead of waiting for food guidance.

Building a better training foundation

By using marker training instead of luring in dog training, you encourage your dog to think, engage, and actively participate in their learning process. The result? Reliable, enthusiastic responses without dependence on visible treats.

Want to make your training more effective? Let’s work together.

If you’re ready to train smarter—and avoid common pitfalls like overusing luring—we can help.

📅 Book a private training session today, and let’s build a strategy that gets results while keeping your dog engaged and eager to learn.

🐶 Smart training means better learning—and a stronger bond with your dog.