Trust and Handling 5 - Bowl Hand
Dogs learn in patterns and pictures. They are constantly learning from the patterns around them. Without a full understanding of the human language, it’s the easiest way for them to make sense of the world around them and to predict what is about to happen. “When mum picks up her car keys, it means she’s going out. When dad opens the cupboard under the oven, it means I’m getting my dinner.” These pictures become powerful predictors and will drive behaviours.
We can use this power of pictures in our own approach to training. The ‘Bowl Hand’ technique gives our dogs a clear picture of what is about to happen and has a myriad of uses. From early recall training to food manners plus managing arousal and early handling… it’s a wonderful training tool that will serve you well.
See more in the Trust and Handling Series.
If you’d like to get started with building trust in handling, an excellent resource is our Early Foundations Online Course includes 5 hours of essential training techniques. Or check out Di's Full Online Puppy Training Course