Food Toss Game

 Food toss game, using the dogs daily meals. 

Hand feeding gives “ value” to the human from the dogs point of view, instead of giving “value “ to the dog bowl. It helps the dog focus on the handler instead of being distracted. Hand feeding also lessens the chance of resource guarding, as there is no longer a bowl to guard.

The game builds focus on the handler, and proofs the sit stay command.

Have the dog sit on raised surface like a dog cot, bench, or chair. He must stay on the object. Toss one piece at a time fast,slow,right, left. If dog misses he doesn’t get that one, pick it up and add it to your pile of his daily meal. A tie back or person holding his lead can be used at first if needed to keep him on the object.
*If using a tie back be sure the lead is short enough that he cannot jump off the object.

Here is Kenji doing the “advanced “ version, while sitting on an inflatable ball inside a rubber feed tub.  It makes the exercise more challenging, and uses more mental and physical energy.