Luring in dog training is a technique where treats or toys are used to guide a dog into a desired position or behaviour. It is often introduced during the early stages of teaching new skills, especially with puppies or dogs that are just starting out. While it can be an effective way to get quick results, it is not meant to be a long-term strategy. Dogs that become dependent on following food or toys may struggle to perform behaviours when those prompts are no longer present.
At Belle & Bark, we take a thoughtful approach to luring. We recognize that it has its place, but we aim to move past it as quickly as possible. Our focus is on helping dogs become active participants in the learning process, not just passive followers of food. This tag collects resources that explain how to use luring sparingly and effectively, how to fade it early, and how to shift toward training methods that build true understanding.
You will find guidance on when luring makes sense, why fading the lure matters, and how to transition to more advanced techniques such as shaping or capturing. We believe that training should support a dog’s ability to think, solve problems, and connect with their handler. Luring may help get things started, but independent learning creates more reliable behaviours and a stronger relationship between dog and guardian.
Explore this tag to learn how to use luring with purpose and how to move beyond it to build lasting skills through positive, science-based training.
Luring your dog with treats can feel intuitive—but did you know it might actually slow training down? Science shows that dogs learn best when they actively engage with training through clear markers and rewards. By shifting to marker training, your dog becomes an active learner, clearly understanding exactly what behaviour earned them a reward. Discover how training smarter creates lasting behaviours and a stronger bond between you and your dog.
