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by gsdlvr2 on 11 March 2007 - 23:03
This might sound like a silly question,but being new to keeping puppies I wonder,how do you teach them to be soft when taking something from your fingers? All my trained adults have this already and, I know it is a dumb question, but I expect good manners from my dogs and I just don't know how to teach them to take a bit of food softly from my hand. I am not giving treats for no reason or even for training, I just want them to be soft if I give something from my hand.
Thank you in advance
by CanaBoo on 12 March 2007 - 00:03
This might sound simple, and I could be completely wrong. It's worked with all of the puppies we have had.
I just sit with them, pet them, hold the food to them and say "Soft" or "Easy" in a gentle/soothing voice as they are taking it. Basically I try to get them as relaxed and trusting as possible. They learn that food is not going to be taken away, but they have to be soft with us.
I hope this helps (and makes sense!) I'm sure you'll get a lot of great advice from everyone on the board!
Good luck! :)
by DesertRangers on 12 March 2007 - 00:03
I hold the food in my fist and make them be gentle to get it. Start them young and be consistent.
by 4pack on 12 March 2007 - 02:03
I have no fingers left so it's not an issue. =)~
by spook101 on 12 March 2007 - 14:03
gsdlvr2, I use the same method as DR. It works very well for me.
by shinokami on 12 March 2007 - 16:03
I'm with you, 4pack...
Give em food big enough, that's what I figured.
by Shelley Strohl on 14 March 2007 - 17:03
I keep my hand closed and make them lick at it. I don't open the hand till the behavior I desire is demonstrated, and NO BITE.
Shelley
by 4pack on 14 March 2007 - 19:03
I fist the food too, usually a hot dog but he still nails me with teeth from hell and my thumb and knuckles take a beating. Maybe this will change as he gets older and not so goofy. I focused more on getting him the imediate reward rather than slow up and worry about my hands. It's grin and bear it kinda thing.
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