Hi to all~

I have a question regarding delivery of food with marker training. I hold the treat the way Michael Ellis and Ed describe in the videos. But my 41/2 old GSD seems to be getting my fingers.

I am just getting over an infected puppy puncture on my left hand( a super small bite that happened while we were playing with the ball). It was so small I could hardly see it. So I cleaned it but never put a bandaid over it. But still I ended up with a fever and a very swollen hand!!

So, after many antibiotics and soakings it is much better.

I cannot afford any more bites. I use my left hand for treats especially while leash training. But he is nicking me.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

use a pouch bag and toss the treat

Tossing the treat isn't best for marker training; you can't bridge a behavior or build duration in certain positions. You also can't lure with a toss. Tossing reinforces lunging and compounds the food drive with prey drive.

Judging from this and your previous thread, there are two things you absolutely need to do.
First, you need to temper this pup's appetite before training. Although you can't do strenuous activity for two-three hours after feeding, you can marker train basic positions and OB. For a dog with this much food drive, you need to feed him well an hour before training.
Secondly, you must correct his pushiness and not let it manifest anymore. You can marker train this. Give him a command he already knows; "Sit" would be best, or "Look" after you build duration. Do not give the reward mark; use your bridge (I use "Good"). Present but don't give a treat. Every time he makes a move for the treat (or even glances at it in the "Look"), give a soft negative reinforcer ( I use "uh-uh"; "no" is a correction in my training. Use whatever works in your system.). Do not offer the treat, using the correct food-handling technique, UNTIL he will accept it calmly.

I guess that goes to training goals, I want a amped up pyscho and no bite inhibition. Might I suggest gloves? I also seen one of our forum members use salad tongs because his faith forbids handling meat.

 Quote: Dennis Jones

I guess that goes to training goals, I want a amped up pyscho and no bite inhibition.

Extremely well-stated! Keeping one's training goals in mind when trying to correct a behavior is very important. Decide what you want, and finding the correct solution will be much easier.

I'm with Dennis here. I toss treats very regularly. As long as your marker is strong, they will get it. Good hand position helps, as does a set of good gloves (like Dennis suggested).

Luring without getting bit takes some practice. When I'm working dogs regularly, I'm always doctoring a cut or 3 on my hands. It just goes with the territory. Neosporin is your friend.

 Quote: David Winners

I'm with Dennis here. I toss treats very regularly. As long as your marker is strong, they will get it. Good hand position helps, as does a set of good gloves (like Dennis suggested).

Luring without getting bit takes some practice. When I'm working dogs regularly, I'm always doctoring a cut or 3 on my hands. It just goes with the territory. Neosporin is your friend.

I got a marker training story that goes to this, I was training Drago not too long ago and I nearly always reward Drago with a treat or bite when he does it. Well one day while training I had to yell at one of my kids so I told Drago to Fuss and started to yell at the kids without the mark so Drago got out of the Fuss and swung in twice as hard with his hip knocking me over. The lesson here is DON'T FORGET THE MARK

 Quote: Dennis Jones

use a pouch bag and toss the treat

Jeez, Dennis, look at the size of the target you have! Even with my terrible aim, I could toss a treat and get it into that mouth.

I lightly pop them in the nose, and then push the treat towards them so that they arent coming forward for it. Its just something to be corrected for,nothing harsh. Just enough to let them know my hand isnt the treat.

You may just want to practice feeding him calmly the video shows, separate of any ob or commands Carol. There's no dog any food crazier then my Rott, but he understands taking it gentle.

No bite inhibition on WHAT?

My dog will tear your hand off for a reward, I had to teach him to take it nice. If he even as much as thinks about snatching it when I reach into the bag, I pop him on his nose. He knows what it means, no hard feelings, he'll try again LOL. He doesn't suffer bite inhibition with anything else.

Obviously every dog is different, some you just shove the food in their face a few times and they stop reaching or just use a verbal nope or just block them, shut the pouch. Totally depends on the dog. Tossing the food is what I do most of the time....its just when I want him to hold a position I don't. Putting it on your palm also works.

If the dog just has extreme food drive, use a lesser value reward, I did that with my chow mix and it helped her to focus.