I give most of the daily ration of food to my pooch from the hand. In a quick, natural and simple way, we build a bond and dependence. I also have a chance to show when I am satisfied with the dog’s behavior. I have to teach him words and commands first. Now, however, I would like him to know that I am satisfied with taking care of my needs outside the home, that I am happy when he follows me on a walk or does not jump when I come home. Exactly! As a sign of gratitude, I share my food with him. Is it just as logical and natural for you?
Of course, I also use a bowl to pack the rest of my daily food. But honestly, the bowl is just a complement.
I’ve heard different opinions from owners like:
“I will not pay my dog for being polite”
“The fact that I tell him how satisfied I am must be enough”
“I don’t have time for such techniques.”
Many years of my observations show that it is a very instinctive, natural and easy way to show the dog that it is part of the family (herd), it is accepted here and can feel safe. Why complicate it? Under natural conditions, this is exactly how the herd would show that it can stay here and is accepted.
Another benefit is attractiveness. A bite obtained during training, for example, hardly shelled from the owner’s hand, sometimes running away from the dog’s nose seems much tastier. Such a “prey” in a bowl doesn’t look so cool anymore. For fussy eaters, this can also be helpful. Remember that this is not the same as hand-feeding your dog from a bowl because he refuses to eat – no challenge for the dog.
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