[~Karla~]

I'm still working on getting Bickie to sit (which she does easily) and wait until I tell her to eat (which she fights against). Given that the long-term goal is to train her as an assistance dog, I need to make sure I can train her to only eat on command. Has anyone here tried the Triangle of Temptation? What do you all think of it? Is there a better method I could use instead?

[caninestorm]

Triangle of Temptation is good.

If you want to go simple, the way I teach to wait for food is, ask them to sit, then without saying anything, start to lower the bowl to the ground... they move, the bowl goes back up. Repeat as many times as necessary (the first time it can take ages). If the bowl makes it to the ground without them moving, they get an "ok!" and are encouraged to eat. Then over the next few days/weeks I just lengthen the amount of time the bowl is on the ground before releasing them. No need for "no" or "uh uh" or "wait"... they can work it out in silence.

[morgansacre]

I have done what caninestorm has done with excellent results. This can be done very quickly. I would also get a friend or relation to hold a biscuit and offer it to my dog, while I say no....the dog should refuse to take it, if they refuse then I would give a treat.

I taught this as we had someone baiting dogs where we lived. My dog refused to eat anything unless allowed to by a special word. She was fantastic with this.

Lynn

[*Spikey*]

It works with dogs who are immediately interested in their bowls.

I have three 'grazers'. They are all abject failures at the ToT. Basically, because they are not fussed if they don't eat.

I also don't want them to start fixating on emptying their bowls - labradors and Elkhounds can become a bit tubby when they believe they have to eat everything or miss out.

[~Karla~]

Thanks. That's pretty much what I'm doing now but she rushes it as soon as I put the bowl down. I'm actually holding her back and making her sit before I let go and give her the command to eat. The triangle of temptation looks like it might be more work but hopefully easier with the kids etc too.

Sorry Spikey, I didn't see your reply. She is very interested in her bowl. If I didn't know Labradors better, I would be convinced I'm underfeeding her, the way she carries on. There's no grazing at all with this girl!

This post has been edited by ~Karla~: 09/12/2012, 06:05 PM

[~kitteh.hoardere...]

It works with dogs who are immediately interested in their bowls.

I have three 'grazers'. They are all abject failures at the ToT. Basically, because they are not fussed if they don't eat.

I also don't want them to start fixating on emptying their bowls - labradors and Elkhounds can become a bit tubby when they believe they have to eat everything or miss out.

Bandit is definitely interested in his bowl and was obsessed when food when we first got him (he was VERY thni, concerningly thin.)

He would jump up on me as I'd take his bowl out and hurt me and I am 183cm and size 22, I'm not tiny frail thing!

We did ToT and in less than 2 weeks I didn't need the lead anymore. He is now better trained with feeding than Elly! DSDs can easily feed him without issue and he won't eat until given the eat command (he sits there drooling at the bowl if you forget and walk off LOL)

I'll take a video tonight for you. He still gets excited and might jump, but it's not on the person anymore.

Though now he gets all excited and then sniffs the bowl and walks off LOL He must have finished his puppy stage, as he's turned into a grazer in the last few months, but he still gets excited when he sees the bowl.

[~kitteh.hoardere...]

*snort* well I didn't say he was the BEST student!

Please ignore the rubbish etc that he has brought up on the deck!

Bandit eating

[*Spikey*]

That was too cute - and funny. I loved the way he shoved his head into the bowl, then immediately wanted to check out what you were doing. He's definitely growing up!

[~Karla~]

Thanks for that PD! Bandit is just gorgeous.