Training with Food
TEACHING YOUR DOG
first published August 2018
~ we are clear what we are going to do
~ what we want the dog to learn
~ what outcomes we are expecting
~ how to make changes when our expectations are not happening, (this usually involves much coffee and head scratching rather than actual training)
~ we have practised our skills
Preparation wil gives both you and the dog every chance of success. The first learning is very important, it is so much more effective to get it right first time than try to go back and re-do.Practise with the dog
Author: KL
You need:
Soft, moist, low to medium value food cut into small pieces (at least 20): cooked chicken, roast beef or cheese may be good choices. If this arouses your dog too much, use something he will eat without too much excitement. Examples may be frozen peas or pieces of apple. Use their kibble if nothing else works for your dog.
A quiet environment (no other dogs, people or other exciting things)
A food reserve bowl containing the chopped-up food ready for training
A table on which to place the food reserve bowl
5 minutes of uninterrupted time and full focus
Remember to reduce their subsequent dinners if they are likely to over-eat, or use their dinner for delivery practise.
Process
From a Bowl:
Place food on the table within your (not the dog’s!) reach
Turn and face your dog, signalling that you are ready to engage. Remain relaxed
Take a piece of food with one hand, pass it into the other hand and place it directly in front of the dog’s muzzle leaving enough room for him to reach for it slightly
Deliver the food with an open, softly cupped relaxed hand
Once the dog has finished eating, repeat
Deliver half of the food from your right hand and half from your left hand
Practice at different times and in a variety of places.
From your hand
When your dog is remaining in place and taking food without jumping, biting or snatching:Hold 10 pieces of food in your non-feeding hand. Keep your arm relaxed and by your side
Take a piece of food from the reserve hand with the feeding hand
Deliver to your dog as previously, practice with both hands
Practice at different times and in a variety of places.
Remember to include some empty hands for the “Love That Face” enjoyment, not every hand should be giving food. Repeat these steps with anything you use to hold your training food reserve such as a pouch, vest or jacket. Keep your skills sharp by practicing delivery from a variety of reserves. your dog will certainly be an enthusiastic training friend!Connect and Share
sounds like a biscuit …….
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