Posted: Mon May 23, 2011 1:02 pm Post subject: Too rough when taking a treat
Hi all
We've had Otis for 3 weeks now and really pleased at how he's settling in.
He still needs to put on a few kg so he has treats on a regular basis. Problem is he lunges when taking it. He's a very laid back boy and the only time he gets excited is around food (or a ball!!). He sits and waits but the tail is going mad and he drools.
I can't get the kids involved in giving treats as he's too rough. I've tried holding onto the treat as he's trying to pull it out of my hand and he does recognise that my fingers are there and shows respect for my digits!
I'm now trying to have treats in my pocket and give them to him when he's least expecting it and therefore rewarding his calm behaviour.
What I did with Indy was put treats in my hand and make my hand into a fist. Then let him sniff. If he is rough don't release the treats, and hold them firm until he gently nuzzles or licks, then reward him. It worked very well for us.
Indy used to be rough but now he's as gentle as a lamb.
Jen and Indy
I also added the command 'gently' or 'gentle' so that if it looks like he's going to snatch you can just withdraw your hand and say 'gently' and he remembers to take it softly.
One other thing that really helped is if you hand feed their meals. It takes quite a bit of your time so be prepared (!) but it really helps. If he gets dry kibble simply put his bowl on the counter and feed him a handful at a time, letting him eat out your hand. If he gets rough just withdraw your hand until he calms down a bit.
Do you make him wait for his food? This can also help quite a bit.
I taught all mine 'gently' - subtly giving them the treat with gently - they do learn - he is a baby - and it's going to take a while to get the hang of it - we sometimes expect a little too much from our youngsters - it will come with persistence, consistency and time.
If you make your dogs wait for their food, don't forget to let them eat it. More than once I told Blake and Indy to wait, forgot, went back much later and saw them sat there looking sad staring at their bowls!
I also added the command 'gently' or 'gentle' so that if it looks like he's going to snatch you can just withdraw your hand and say 'gently' and he remembers to take it softly.
One other thing that really helped is if you hand feed their meals. It takes quite a bit of your time so be prepared (!) but it really helps. If he gets dry kibble simply put his bowl on the counter and feed him a handful at a time, letting him eat out your hand. If he gets rough just withdraw your hand until he calms down a bit.
Do you make him wait for his food? This can also help quite a bit.
Yes, I make him wait and he's really good it this.
Another one who has used the "food folded inside the hand and you don't get it until you are gentle" touch - along with the word "gently".
When he is gentle turn your hand over so the treat is flat in the palm, the way you would with a horse. Once he is good with it that way you can introduce holding it out between your fingers.
It drives me mad that I have taught my dogs this way, yet one idiotic woman at flyball insists on giving the dogs treats by throwing them towards the dog so they jump up to catch them! Asked her many times to not do it - now when any of mine go to mug her for food and she tells them to "get away" I just point out that she was the one who taught them that way.
Last edited by WestWalesDogRescue on Mon May 23, 2011 2:17 pm; edited 1 time in total
He still needs to put on a few kg so he has treats on a regular basis.
Maybe I've got this wrong, but that concerns me slightly. Treats are not good food and should not be used that way. Adjust his build by adjusting his food level, and use treats strictly as a treat.
Raw meat is a good way of putting on some weight. I had to do that for 2 of my dogs, mixed in with their dry food and they loved it. I used raw beef mince. They also get a raw egg (shell as well) once or twice a week.
To stop mine from snatching, I too used 'gently' but also I wait for them to move their head back slightly before taking it.
____________ Linda Layla and Taboo (never forgetting Scoobie my big brown bear 23.2.2000 - 21.1.2011 xx)
I am another who uses "gently" and keeps the food firmly inside my rolled up fist until or unless Charlie obeys. He did learn it eventually, though at the age of almost 7 now he can still occasionally forget himself if over-excited for any reason.
Use healthy treats, and use them sparingly to avoid excessive weight gain.
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