Luring versus Shaping... Circus Tricks!

Karen came across a fascinating class on training dogs to do circus tricks in SFO.  There is an audio only that you should listen to first. I fit it in by scrubbing my floor while listening. (More than you wanted to know, right?) 

Audio interview of trainer:

http://www.animalcafe.co/circus-tricks-for-dogs/

Then go to his  website and watch the video. 

http://bayareadogtrainer.wordpress.com/


After that check out the video I found of an actual circus using Poodles. Susan Garrett was impressed by this circus - behaviors which included many of the core strengthening behaviors she uses to keep her nationally and internationally ranked agility dogs in shape: 

http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2009/09/impressed-by-the-circus/

What is interesting,  from our Ryan clicker training perspective,  is that Francis emphasizes luring during the pet class for circus training in order to get fast results and happy pet owners and pets. Terry, if I am not mistaken suggests keeping luring "in our  toolbox" and only pulling it out when needed and fading it as soon as possible.

 What have your experiences been?

Sue