Lures, Bribes and Rewards: Which is Which?
In dog training, understanding the distinctions between rewards, lures, and bribes is essential for effective communication and behavior shaping. Each serves a unique purpose and, when used appropriately, can enhance the training experience for both you and your dog.
Rewards: Reinforcing Desired Behaviors
A reward is something given to a dog after they have performed a desired behavior, serving to reinforce and encourage the repetition of that behavior. Rewards can take various forms, including treats, toys, verbal praise, or physical affection. The key is that the reward is contingent upon the dog's action, making it clear that their behavior directly leads to a positive outcome.
Example:
You ask your dog to "sit." Once they sit, you immediately offer a treat and verbal praise.
Effective rewarding hinges on timing, intensity, variety, and frequency. The reward should closely follow the behavior (ideally within 3 seconds) to ensure the dog associates the action with the positive consequence. Additionally, matching the reward's value to the difficulty of the task and varying the types of rewards can maintain the dog's motivation and interest.
Lures: Guiding Towards the Desired Behavior
A lure involves using something the dog finds attractive, such as a treat or toy, to guide them into performing a specific behavior. Lures are particularly useful during the initial stages of training, helping the dog understand what is being asked of them. The lure is presented before the behavior is performed and serves as a guide while a dog is learning.
Example:
Holding a treat near your dog's nose and moving it upwards and backwards to encourage them to sit.
It's important to fade the use of lures over time. Once the dog understands the cue, the physical lure should be gradually phased out, ensuring the dog responds to verbal commands or hand signals without needing the immediate presence of a treat or toy.
Bribes: Coaxing Compliance
A bribe is an attempt to entice the dog into performing a behavior by presenting a reward before the behavior is offered, often in situations where the dog is reluctant or refusing to comply. Unlike lures, bribes are typically used when a dog already knows a cue but chooses not to follow it without the immediate promise of a reward.
Example:
Your dog ignores the "come" cue until you show them a piece of chicken, at which point they decide to approach you.
While bribes can sometimes resolve immediate challenges, they are not a sustainable training method. Relying on bribes can teach the dog to withhold behavior until a reward is presented, undermining the training process. However, in certain situations, such as coaxing a dog away from dangerous items, a bribe can be a practical short-term solution.
Applying This Knowledge in Training
To utilize rewards, lures, and bribes effectively:
Start with Lures: Use them to teach new behaviors by guiding your dog into the desired position or action.
Transition to Rewards: Once the behavior is learned, phase out the lure and reward your dog after they perform the behavior in response to your cue.
Avoid Dependence on Bribes: Ensure your dog doesn't become reliant on seeing a reward before complying. Use bribes sparingly and only in situations where immediate compliance is critical.
By clearly distinguishing between rewards, lures, and bribes, and applying them thoughtfully, you can foster a trusting and responsive relationship with your dog, leading to effective and enjoyable training sessions. To learn more about science and rewards- read our Contrafreeloading blog.
Author: Angelique de Kock
Angelique is a qualified Behaviour Consultant (DipCABT C.C.A.B.), Dog Trainer, and Blue Level Instructor with the World Scent Dog Association. She specializes in scentwork, reactivity, and positive reinforcement training, helping dogs and their owners build confidence and communication through science-based methods.
Angelique’s experience spans working with a variety of species beyond dogs, including parrots, rabbits, and even elephants! She currently shares her life with Swift, her talented Border Collie who excels in scentwork trials. She also co-hosts the Barkology Podcast, discussing dog behavior and welfare with fellow professionals.