Dog Training Tip – How to Fade the Lure

If your dog doesn’t listen when you say the verbal cue only, you need to fade the lure.

All dogs initially learn through gestures or luring, where you guide the dog into position with your hand or treat.

But once your dog can be lured into position easily, you need to fade the lure and transition to the verbal cue. If you don’t know how to introduce a verbal cue or command word, be sure to check out this post that explains how to do that easily.

When you use a treat to lure your dog into position, it’s important to use a marker word when the dog does the action. This puts it in context for your dog which is a crucial part of learning what a cue command word is.

Some people think they dont need to use treats to train a dog. While that can be done, it’s much more difficult and less fun or motivating for your dog. Just like us, a dog needs a reason to do something on demand. While your dog loves you, the behavior needs to be rewarded or reinforced for your dog to want to do what you ask.

When to Fade the Lure

You shouldn’t start fading the lure until you can easily and consistently get your dog to do the action. We like to use the 5 for 5 method for proofing (making sure the dog understands).

• If the dog only does it 1 or 2 times in a row out of 5, it means the exercise may be too hard and you should look for a way to make the training easier.
• If the dog does it correctly 3 out of 5 times in a row it means your dog is still learning the cue and you are at the right training level of difficulty.
• If your dog does it 4 or 5 times out of 5 in a row, it means your dog understands what you want and you are ready to move on, aka fade the lure.

How to Fade the Lure and Transition to Verbal Cue Only

Once your dog can do the cue 4-5 out of 5 times in a row, you are ready to start the process of fading the lure. While there are multiple ways to do this, I find it easier to fade the lure this way.

Say the cue then → lure your dog into position → say your marker word 4 times in a row. The 5th time, say the verbal cue without motioning the dog into the action. If they do the action correctly, mark and reward them. If they don’t do it, simply go back to luring them another 4 times and try again every 5th repetition.

If you learn better by watching, check out the free positive dog training video below where i demonstrate how to fade the lure with a Goldendoodle named Phoebe who comes to our doggy daycare.

What to Do If Your Dog Struggles When You Fade the Lure

If your dog struggles, it may mean it’s too hard and you need to make it easier or you have practiced for too long. Practice sessions should be short and successful. 3-5 minutes maximum.

It could also mean the environment is too busy. Some dogs get distracted by noises we are desensitized to so be mindful of things that may be unusual. We want to make dog training as easy was we can for our furry friends.

If it was challenge fading the lure, you may want to give your dog a jackpot when they finally figure it out. After your dog does the action, say your marker word once, then give them 5 treats in a row, one at a time. Only do this once, otherwise your dog will want a boatload of treats.

What Does Success Look Like When You Fade the Lure?

When your dog reliably responds to the verbal cue without needing a lure, you have successfully faded the lure!

One last tip about fading the lure. Techincally, once you can say the word and your dog does the action without a lure gesture or treat, you can drop using the marker word. I don’t do that myself as I find using the marker word is a tiny thing that is easy to get into a habit of using.  I also like it when people tell me I did the right thing and think dogs feel the same way.

Hope this free dog training tip helps you transition your dog from luring to verbal cues. But if you struggle or need help with your dog’s training, use the button below to get some in home help.