This is the very first game I teach dogs who come into my home. It teaches them SO MANY important foundation skills! Dogs of all ages can play and learn foundations for living politely in a home with other dogs and with kids, to prevent counter surfing, for recall, to prevent resource guarding, and so much more! So what is it?
Reverse Luring!
I first learned this from Julie Symons but you may have learned a similar game from other instructors called Its Yer Choice (Susan Garrett), Zen Hand (Hannah Brannigan), and a few other names.
The key though is to play it without frustrating your dog. If your dog is frustrated, we messed up!
When you see something you want, it doesn't mean you can just take it!
This is what the game teaches. This foundation skill helps dogs learn not to steal toys or treats from other dogs, not to chase bunnies, not to crowd another dog when you are giving them a treat or pets, and so many other important skills.
When you see something you want, stop & think. Offer a calm behaviour to ask permission to have the thing.
How to Play - Beginner Version
Step 1 - Put a few cookies in your closed hand and put it in front of your dog, at head level, or a little higher if your dog likes to paw at you.
Step 2 - Try not to move your hand while your dog licks, nibbles, and noses at your hand. For larger dogs you can sit in a chair and brace your arm on your knee. It is important not to hide your hand behind your back or to tell your dog "Sit" or "Leave It" etc. This is a puzzle for your dog to figure out.
Step 3 - As soon as your dog backs away a little, open your hand. Quickly close it if they dive back in to steal a cookie.
Repeat until your dog stops diving in long enough for the next step to be successful.
Step 4 - Using your other hand, feed one cookie to your dog.
Repeat. Once this is easy, lower your hand an inch. The lower your hand goes, the harder this is. Work up to being able to put the cookies on the ground.
Here's another one refreshing big Kodi's skills. Notice how puppy Enzo isn't getting into Kodi's space? This is because he already knows this game well and thinks before he tries to take treats!
Important considerations
Kiki advanced through the stages all in one go. This is NOT typical! She is a mature dog who has already done a ton of training, even though this game is new to her. Only advance if your dog finds the current level easy.
- The hand with the cookies opens quickly as soon as the nose comes away from my hand
- Sitting is optional. If your hand is high, dogs will be more likely to sit. If your hand is low, they will be more likely to lie down.
- When she paws at my hand, I simply move my hand a couple of inches higher to bring my hand closer to the nose and farther from the hand.
- The game is played pretty much silently.
- Always feed from the pile, not from a treat stash in your pocket.
If your dog is wild and crazy or easily frustrated, play this game by asking for a sit first. Work up to being able to play without cueing your dog to sit first. Advance slowly, frustration is the opposite of what we want here!
Intermediate Level
Once your dog reliably OFFERS to back away from the pile on the ground, can they respond to known cues? Sit, Down, Shake a Paw?
What about more advanced cues that involve moving away from the food? Go to your bed/crate, Backup, Spin, Hand Touch?
Always start with the offered polite behaviour before asking your dog to hear you.
Advanced Level
Once your dog is great at the Intermediate Level cues, can they heel with you around and away from the pile? Can they walk over it? Can you leave your dog in a sit and walk to the other room?
Remember you don't say anything such as "Leave-it" or "Oops!" to your dog ;)
You can play the same games with toys!
Real Life Applications
Vet Visits and Handling Skills
This game is a great way to help your dog focus on a fun game for body handling or nail trims. I almost always play this game at the vets.
Dogs Learn To Take Turns
The golden in this video is staying with us for a few days. He is learning how to be a good house guest. This game sets him and my dogs up to be comfortable around each other, even when there is a fun food opportunity!
Prevents Rushing & Fighting Over Dropped Food
This is from one of my amazing students. Watch for the treat to drop. Notice the dogs don't rush to grab it? Even though these two dogs are besties, in other homes, so many fights between dogs occur when two dogs rush for the same resource. This game sets them up for success!
You Don't Have to Worry About Your Meals!
Ever wish you could have a peaceful snack on the couch? Wish you could leave appies on the coffee table when you have guests? Play this game and you can!
So Many Great Skills!
Reverse Luring is very common in obedience and puppy classes, but I rarely see people move past the basics. Play these games with your dogs as a part of your daily lives and you will have mad impulse control skills AND be set up to take super cute pics!
