Mary Allen
With this simple trick, your dog will learn to pay close attention to you. Most dogs are highly motivated when it comes to treats. And it is precisely this enthusiasm that you can take advantage of if you want to practice patience and concentration with the dog. All you need are some treats that your dog likes and won’t roll away easily. A slice of cheese cut into small strips is also a good choice.
Step 1: The Dog Should Leave the Cheese
First, your dog should learn not to pick up a piece of cheese that’s on the floor before you allow it. Have your dog sit or lie down and place a piece of cheese on the floor. As soon as your dog tries to take the treat on his own, place your foot on the piece of cheese or cover it with your hand and say “No!”. Return your dog to the starting position and repeat. Only when your dog waits patiently for a moment do you give him permission to take the treat, for example by saying “Take!”.
Step 2: The Treat is on the Paws
As soon as your dog has understood that it is now a matter of only picking up the little delicacy on your command, you can go one step further. Let your dog lie down and now place a piece of cheese on your dog’s paw. With a “No!” you deny him the food intake. And only then do you allow him to grab the treat again. Possible variations: You can place a treat on each front paw and show your dog which one he can now take. Or you put the piece of cheese on his snout. Some dogs are so quick when they’re finally allowed to take their reward that they snatch the morsel out of thin air. Almost a circus trick!
Step 3: Refine Your Communication
It is important that this trick is not about teasing the dog or demonstrating your position of power. The point of the whole thing is rather that the dog learns to be patient – and that you can work with very fine means of communication. Because with this exercise, the dog is highly concentrated and calm at work – you can use that. For example, for the goal of refusing and then allowing food intake with just a head movement. Here’s how you can approach it: Whenever you say “No!”, tense up a little and shake your head slightly. Your dog will not only memorize the literal command but also your body movement. When he’s allowed to take the cheese, you relax, smile, and nod your head while saying, “Take!” After a while, just moving your head will be enough to tell your dog to leave or take the treat.
And If It Doesn’t Work?
Don’t be disappointed, step 3 is optional and really difficult. Just like us, our dogs have different strengths and weaknesses. Not every dog is necessarily such a fine observer – one or the other needs clearer signals. Then you accompany your “No!” and “Take!” with obvious hand signals or arm movements. It is also important that you remain patient and consistent yourself if you want to practice patience and concentration with the dog.