Thursday, March 10, 2005

Puppy Treats!

Charlie demonstrates incredible focus... on puppy treats! With treat motivation, he learned "sit" in record time. "Down" came quickly too (although we don't practice it as much so it's not that solid).

But where his focus is most evident is in the "puppy treat" game. It starts by saying "Charlie, want a puppy treat?" or crying "Puppy drumsticks!" Charlie immediately sits down and gazes intently at your hands to find the treat. Then, with a "one-two" swing so he can see the trajectory, the treat is thrown and Charlie catches it in mid-air.


Chomp!

During the game, any activity in the house can go on, safe from Charlie's attention and assistance. Harley can be fed or go outside. Jessie can saunter around. People can dress. The "food closet" can be opened. And Charlie will wait and watch, never taking his eyes off the treat hands.

It took 5 or 6 tries to get the picture above (which we both enjoyed), and through it, I think the house could have fallen down around us and Charlie would have continued to sit and focus and catch as long as I stayed there with treat in hand!

3 comments:

Freda said...

Finally! Have been trying to comment since late last night.
Great concentration Charlie. I know what to do whenever I see my 'alpha' human's left hand go into his pocket. Treat Time! So I sit and look wishful. He can't resist! Remember we are training our human! Good luck and keep up the good work.

Unknown said...

That is so great 'cause we do that too. I will look away on purpose every time my sidekick gets the camera out. I make him hold a treat up otherwise I won't look at that thing, no way.

Like Freda says, we are training our humans! :)

Cal

Arrow said...

Charlie, Greetings from England! My training is way behind yours and I'm impressed. I'm only 10 weeks old and still settling into my new home with The Philpotts. Come and visit my weblog and see how I'm getting on. I may get around to some training too. I like your site so much I've put a link to it on mine. Happy training!
Arrow, the Welsh Springer Spaniel.