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First introduced in Pre-School
Gentleness
Soft-mouth taking food and toys without snatching or nipping.
- Teaching
- Reinforcing
- Proofing
- Maintenance
Maple's stage at Elementary
Not assessed yetExpected: Proofing
Success indicator
Dog takes treats gently from hand.
No Mouthing, No Teeth, No Pawing
What it is
Encourage polite and gentle food taking to promote safer and more enjoyable interactions.
How we teach it
- Preparation: Begin in a calm area. Hold a treat in your closed fist to set the stage for gentle taking.
- Clear Instructions: If you hold your treat in a flat palm you are at risk for your pup mistaking your finger for a treat. When you present the treat in a closed fist, it reduces injury as well as slows the dog down. They can't see the treat until you open your fist.
- Immediate Reward: Open your hand slowly and give the treat. When your dog takes it softly, praise, reinforcing positive behavior without mouthing or pawing.
- Consistent Training: Regular practice ensures understanding and adherence to gentle taking.
- Progressive Challenges: Gradually introduce more tempting treats while enforcing the same gentle behavior standards.
Practice at home
- Consistent Training: Regular practice ensures understanding and adherence to gentle taking.
- Take Photos or Videos: Capturing your progress back at home or outside will help us provide additional feedback.
Go deeper
Teaching your dog proper food manners isn't just about avoiding messy spills or unwanted begging. It's about establishing boundaries, fostering respect, and creating a positive association with mealtime.
Read the Gentle/Calm Food Manners guideMaple's record
No record yet
This skill has not been assessed for Maple yet. It will appear here after a trainer records it.
Add structure to your week
See where Gentleness fits in Maple's personalized training plan.