I don't think so. You must know that I'm doing this since years already and of course I don't run 1 km. Additionally in those cases I don't throw. The dog takes the food out of my hand. First I made just 1 step bent to the side, later on I made more side steps crossing my legs alternately so that I don't block the dogs way. For my last side-step I bend my knee so I can stretch my arm wide out adjusted to the dog's height. Sounds complicated if someone can't see it.

Well it actually was a bit complicated until I was able to do it fluently. M.E. recommended to tension a string in the necessary height and train it first very often without dog. Later on I added a quick turn, when the dog was very near to the food-hand, so he missed it. M.E. teaches this not just as rew evt, but preparatory for professional targeting, which I don't do. Don't even know exactly what this is.

I practice this kind of food delivery primarily because the dogs love it. In my eyes it is also a way to keep them very attentive and their thinking and concentration active. You must know that's why I have the most intelligent dogs of the world!


Of course I don't reward that way, when I teach them a new exercise. Then I simply deliver the food directly, (yes, yes randomly), so they have more often success within less time and learn the new behavior more rapidly.
I also reward with throwing a treat up into the air. So they have to make another move to snap it.

A bit of simple targeting I guess I'm doing. Touching a certain part of me or an object with a paw or the nose. I wonder if they'd also learn it with a hind paw?
Sorry, now I am somehow a bit off the topic.

If the dog's love it then your doing it right!

Thanks, Bob. I'll ask them.