Good Feeds

Purpose:

Getting the dog to look at you. Keeping their attention.

Use:

Preparation for a walk. To maintain attention of the dog in situations where their behavior needs to be in control.

Exercise should not involve the word “no” or any commands (sit, stay, etc) – if the puppy chooses to stand, let him. If he jumps up, step forward to indicate he isn’t to jump. Keep hands at breast position and wait until he settles.

How To:

1.    Place dog leash on ground; stand on it so that the dog has enough room to stand freely and to walk around closely to you.

2.    Place 10 very small treats into your hands and place both hands a breast high. Stand up very straight.*

3.    Say your puppy’s name once.

4.    If he looks, say “Good” and bend down and give treat and stand straight up again.**

If he doesn’t look, wait. He may eventually look up to figure out what you are doing.  As soon as he looks, say “Good” and bend down and give treat and stand straight up again.

If he doesn’t look within a minute, move the treat across his nose and the pull back up to breast high, stand straight with him following the scent, say “Good” and bend down and give treat and stand straight up again.

5.    If he continues to look at you, take a breath and say “Good” and bend down and give treat and stand straight up again, take another breath and say “Good” and bend down and give treat and stand straight up again. Continue to praise and treat. One after another after another…

If he looks away or down after a treat, wait… he will eventually look up to figure out what you are doing.  As soon as he looks, say “Good” and bend down and give treat and stand straight up again.

6.    Continue this exercise for  at least 10 repetitions.

7.   Practice this 3 times a day. (Puppies will love it.)

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*     Standing straight with hands at breast will position the puppy to be able to look at your hand, where the treats are, but can also see your face at the same time. Also standing straight is a position of strength.

**   Be sure that the “Good” and treat is a very quick response to them looking at you. A puppy may just look at you for a second – you need to catch that look. As they do this more and more, you will find that they will focus on you completely.