If a cue does not produce a good response, what is recommended?

• A. Start training over with a fresh cue
• B. Add cue right before prompt
• C. Increase the reward for current response
• D. Punish the dog

Answer: (B)

When a cue isn’t producing the desired response, the best move is to make the cue more salient by presenting it right before the prompt. This approach helps the dog hear or see the cue and anticipate what comes next, so the prompt can guide the exact action. By tying the cue closely to the prompting step, you reinforce the association between the signal and the behavior and set up for future fades where you rely on the cue alone. It’s more effective than restarting training with a fresh cue, which can waste progress, or simply increasing rewards for the current response without addressing cue recognition. Punishment is not appropriate because it harms learning and can create fear or avoidance.