Page 13 - Online Spring 2022 Newsletter

and you will end up having to pay
bribes to a Keeshond that has worked
out optimum methods of getting as
many treats as they can. I do not
food reward when returning to any of
mine after I have asked them to wait
for me. As an example, I often
attach their leads to a post so they
can watch while I go in the field to
feed my horses. The reward is mum
is back for them, no food treat
required and with a greedy breed it
can be too much of a distraction.

Granny and granddaughter
Another important point is to have
patience, like us they sometimes
need time to work things out as to
what is needed.
Catching that eureka moment is
amazing as is watching them develop
through structured play into confident
and happy companions.

Daddy and daughter

For the same reason when taking
puppy classes I show new owners
how to teach “ follow my hand” rather
than follow the treat, which seems to
be used a lot at training classes.
It is well worth the time spent as it
increases concentration on you rather
than the food and has the bonus of
not encouraging jumping up or
snatching due to frustration.
Touch step and wait, Disney, Pandora and Asta

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