I have a treat bag that I attach to my pants when I am training my dogs. I have done this for a long time and I usually keep it behind my back. Well, recently I have noticed that when I am training or working bindi, she will lean slightly to try and look at this treat bag. It sometimes causes her front feet to move slightly, something that is not good in rally O (which I am training her for). I now am questioning myself on the use and position of my treat bag.
I would like to find out where others place their treat bags and what I can do to help her not lean. I have tried putting treats in my pockets, but when I reach in she leans.
I try and mix it up, treats coming from other areas, but she is pretty smart and when my hand moves either side or back she follows it. I do not give her a treat until she looks at me in the face.
Any suggestions?
thanks sharon
For me it is not so much location of the bag but more where the reward is given. Harley will do the same as your if I only reward him in my hand. Trowing the reward forward did help. I can now keep some food in my hands but he can't guess where he will get his treat. From my hand toss in his mouth or way in front of him.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Sharon, do you teach look as one of your first marker commands?
I haven't thought this through completely ...... but this is the first m/r command I teach after loading the marker, and I'm wondering if this helps form a habit of eyes on me even after the release marker.
Or is looking at the bait bag not limited to when the marker has been given and the reward is expected?
(I'm kinda thinking out loud. Interesting question!)
When I do use a bag I usually have it behind or sometimes on the side depends on what were working on.
I also don't dip into the bag for every reward I like to load up a hand and pre stage a treat in the reward hand, switching hands and location where the the reward is given, not always coming from the same place.
Reg: 08-24-2005
Posts: 361
Loc: Northern California
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I use a treat bag like Joe does ... it is good to keep them guessing. But, I also reward from my mouth (and, sometimes mix this in with the bag rewards). I know some people will not be comfortable using this method (I use people food). However, I find it does wonders when I want them watching ME and not the bag.
I try to have my treat bag in a position that I can mark, then move backwards or sideways as I reach for the treat to build excitement. Leaning or staring at where the reward is warrants a "look" from me to pay attention. Straight forward bodies and heads are regarded as a part of the command in my house. (BTW, I am shocked that my dogs recognize the "look" just as well as my kids do!) The bag is not to be anticipated- I am!
Duane Hull Webboard User Reg: 09-23-2011
Posts: 2692
Loc: Marrero, LA
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I wear it on my right side for two reasons;
one, I'm right-handed and it's natural for me and,
two, it is on the opposite side of the dog in the basic position. I then handle the food as Joe describes. Like others, if I catch her keying on the treat, I command a "look" and I change deliveries.
Also, one other thing I do is that I assume if she's performing a behavior and then looking for the treat, she's ready for something a little more complex, and I will chain another command/behavior where she would expect a mark/reward.
ooooh, I have taught that command and I usually do not treat when my dogs are not looking at me. But its as I reach for the bag that she follows my hand with her eyes then her body kinda leans.
I like that thought you had. It reminds me to be more precise myself. I will work on that and make sure I am actually making sure they are watching me before I reward.
Thanks sharon
good ideas. I wear the treat bag behind my back and try to treat with each hand. BUt I know there is something I am doing wrong. I like the thought of her needing a more complex behavior when she is keying on the treat.
Thanks. sharon
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