Step by Step

In this first lesson, your dog learns to think as a team member! This first game is

the key that opens the door to greatness with your dog, so play it until you get

great results: A dog who shows solid self control in the face of his favorite food

treat!

1 Pick a food treat your dog definitely wants and put 12 small pieces of it in a bowl.

If your dog isn't big on food or treats, wait until she's hungry and choose something irresistible and smelly, like small chunks of meat.

2 Put the collar and leash on your dog so they can't wander off during the teaching phase of the game.

You can put the leash handle under your foot, to free up your hands for the game.

3 Remove any other dogs from the room.

Ensure no major distractions will steal your dog's attention during the game.

4 Put 4 treats in each hand and go sit near your dog.

Say the dog's name and give one treat to get his attention.

5 Anchor your right hand/arm in one spot low enough to be under your dog's nose.

Put your left hand against your hip. And Zip your Lips! Only say

"Good Dog" during the game!

6 Close your hand if the dog tries to get the treats, Open your hand the second he lifts his face away from your hand.

Close and Open quickly so he learns that rushing in closes access to treats, AND that backing away opens access to treats.

7 If you can open your hand flat for one second without him moving in for it, give him a treat out of your other hand.

Only give treats with your opposite hand so you don't confuse the dog.

8 Keep playing until all four treats are gone from your left hand.

Get up and tell your dog how great she is!!! Let them know the game is over for now.

Get some more treats then play the game again.

9 Play the game three times with short breaks in between.

Do you see a difference yet?

You should play this game twice in the morning and twice in the evening for the next 2 or 3 days