December 13, 2016 at 2:05am
I do not, personally, like the tugs that food can be placed in. However, I do like maximizing the drives your dog brings to the table (such as pack and food). To work the spectrum of reactionary vs. thinking state of mind you can focus in arousal levels within the food drive category. Teach your dog to push into the hand lure (food closer to the palm) with pressure, while exhibiting enthusiasm, or incorporate activity with the food drive by creating quick, active games of following the food for reactionary. For thinking, calm your presence, soften your voice, and roll the treat down to the tips of your fingers. Just remember that the closer to the finger tips the more your dog should focus and be precise with the food lure, but when you roll the food further toward your palm and encourage with a "get it, get it, get it!" your dog should start to get pushy and animated.