What action can be taken to discourage carrying during early training?

Holding or securing the lure is a useful technique to discourage unwanted carrying behavior during early training. When a falconer holds or secures the lure, it helps to establish the lure as a consistent and desirable target for the raptor, promoting its focus on the lure rather than on carrying or moving away with it. This method can reinforce the concept of returning to the lure as part of a structured training routine.

In early training stages, the behavior of carrying can often arise from the raptor's instinct to possess its prey. By securing the lure, the falconer can redirect the bird’s attention and encourage it to engage with the lure only in the desired manner. This practice fosters a safe and controlled learning environment where the falconer can shape and manage the raptor's behavior effectively.

The other methods, such as using a brail or forcibly removing food, may introduce stress or complications in the training process and could negatively affect the bird's trust and ability to learn. Changing the raptor’s target might not effectively address the specific issue of carrying behavior, as it could confuse the bird further regarding what is desirable behavior. Focusing on the lure creates a clear and consistent approach for reinforcing proper training behaviors.