05/12/2025
Many people think that if the dog follows their closed hand with food inside, and they only give the treat after marking the behaviour, then it isn’t luring at all.
“It’s fine — the reward comes later, so the dog must be learning the movement… right?”
❓But what is your dog really learning?
▪️They are learning to follow the reward. - They arent primarily learning how to use their body. -
▪️They are learning that information will primarily be given through handler movement - They are not learning to activate the motion pattern solely through the set-up, making it harder to transfer motion patterns over to every day life.
▪️They are learning to mainly pay attention to the reward, resulting in learners falling over or off equipment.
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➡️ STRUCTURED TRAINING (aka modern shaping) changes everything.
When the dog understands the desired movement (even if it is through the help of targets):
▪️Their brain can target the corresponding muscle groups through efficient pathways
▪️They learn to move with intention
▪️They will gain bodyawaerness and control faster
▪️They will have overall more clarity, no frustration and a best possible emotional experience
➡️The reward becomes a consequence for the motion — instead of beeing part of the reason for the movement.
If you want to connect the best emotions with learning, have efficient sessions, better form, safer movement, and stronger muscles, focus on your set-up and the information you can provide your dog with.
