Dear Norman: thank you for your videos on youtube. It really helped me. I too have been starting my Cody on position so it was great to see you doing it in action. You are a good trainer.
Dap seems like a great dog!

I had a couple of questions, your treat you used, seemed like one long treat. Did you allow him to bite an end off, or did you pinch off some just before popping it in his mouth? I couldn't see it clearly. Also, what type of treat was it?
Another question I had was, what was that little lead you had on Dap, I couldn't see it very well. Sorry, my sight is not the best.
Thanks

I use a jumbo hot dog and try to get turkey because it is the cheapest. Then I cut it in half and then cut that portion in half lengthwise. Then hold those strips between my thumb and palm and feed it to the dog in small pieces when I see the behavior I want.

No, I didn't pinch the food because I want the dog to push to get the food and in doing so he bites what you allow it to and in this way helps creates power. Of course when I teach the dog to catch food from my mouth I do pinch a small portion off. It is always best to use soft, small, easily swallowed treats so they won't get lodged in there throat as you should, in the beginning for correct behavior, give the dog many of these rewards .

Regarding the leash used, I used no lead in the beginning because I don’t think it is necessary, and by not using a lead the handler then must then use all that the other things he or she possesses, in order to convince the pup that the handler is the most important thing on the training field. Thereafter I switched to the light 3 foot plastic line tied in a loop, that can be bought in any hardware store and is a good transition from using no lead. I use this lead mainly for control, and if used correctly, goes a long way in communicating to the dog that obedience is just a game with a few rules. More important, in the beginning, you look at obedience in this way, which will bring out the joy in there work. I later switch to a normal 3 foot light leather leash. I would suggest this book regarding teaching focus and drive in obedience. "Schutzhund Obedience Training in Drive" With Gottfried Dildei By Sheila Booth.

Those were fantastic clips norman- thanks for sharing!

Dear Norman: Thank you so much for all your info. I believe this method you use will really help me with my dog Cody. He has intense drive and focus, and desires to please me. (he is a jack russel mix) I want to teach him to focus, because with his intensity he can also get distracted and fixed on something. (he is only 8 months old)
I appreciate your help and the book reference. I will get it. I have most of the leerburg videos and refer back to them many times.
May God bless you

Norman that pup is awesome!