For the last couple of days I have been hand feeding Charlie his meals. I have been advised that as an absconder this is the best way to get him to work for me and his meals, (apologies Heidrun I had forgotten you told me to do this, a serious case of overload )and boy is he working Nothing too much for now, but lots of sits, stays, downs, waits, paw, heel work inside, I will progress out into the yard in a few days then the garden. He looks so confused bless him, frowning everytime Hattie gets her bowl of food he is looking at me, going to the food cupboard and opening it as if to say "come on where's mine have you forgotten?". Sorry Charlie but now you have to work for your supper ;D Hope it works Another suggestion has been to proof his treats, as a non food orientated dog this may help, so all day long I recall him and treat him with various treats and his favourite peanut butter and rice krispie balls, and yes I have nothing else better to do that make these for him, but they work Keep all fingers and paws crossed that he sees me as the source of all things good and tasty Helen xx
Re: Hand Feeding Great to hear you are giving the hand feeding a go, Helen. Once Murffi realised that he had to work for every little bit of food he suddenly became very food motivated ;D. For extra special recalls or a fabulous retrieve I would give him a really tasty treat rather than his normal food. Don't be in a hurry to proceed into a more distracting environment or situations. I always try to practise to perfection before I move to more difficult areas.
Re: Hand Feeding I will give anything a go Heidrun Charlie is following me around everywhere in the hope of food ; , so when would you suggest I move into the yard to do some ball retrieving and bedience? It is a small totally enclosed area with no distractions. Thanks Helen
Re: Hand Feeding When he is 110% in the house, that's when I would move into the garden. Even a bird flying by can be a distraction so I would start with a very hungry dog and simple little exercises. Good luck.
Re: Hand Feeding OK, so taking his breakfast on a walk is not a good idea then? I ask because David has for the last 2 days and Charlie has stuck with him and has done some really good recalls on his training line and obedience too. Lets hope that's not another mistake ??? Thanks Helen x
Re: Hand Feeding Helen, if you are happy and confident that he will recall 100% on walks then take him out. It is impossible for me to advise from afar without knowing you and your dog. I think I have already mentioned this before but I am not a big fan of "the walk" , unless you and the dog are focused on each other every second while the dog is off his lead.
Re: Hand Feeding Hi, Charlie is on a training line and is never off lead. Should we not take his breakfast for now and continue indoors? Thanks Helen
