Age: 3 years.
Breed: Golden Retriever.
Hobbies: Running, swimming, sleeping.
Food loves: I will do anything for cheese.
What is Hugo thinking right now? I don’t see any cheese.
Most memorable moment: My special humans thought I was absolutely adorable when they first adopted me, I was too cute for words! My special humans also remember that even though my mum and I fretted a little when we were separated, I very quickly and happily settled into my new, cheese-filled home.
How I have helped my special humans: I encourage them to get out and about because they know how happy it makes me to see new places and meet lots of different people and pooches. My special humans also say I am a stress buster, because I am one big smoochy love bug and I can cheer them up any time they’re feeling blue.
“Come when you call me? Sure thing. Fetch the ball? No problem! But before I commit, I’m gonna need to see the cheese…”
Hugo.
Did you doggone know?
Hugo is not alone when it comes to food obsession! Food is a great tool and can be used to motivate and train your pooch, either as a lure or a reward.
One aspect of positive dog training involves using food to lure a dog into a certain position (such as “sit” and “down”) instead of the trainer using their own hands to position the dog’s body. Rather than using force or discipline-based training methods, food lure training is effective, fun and helps you to form a trusting and loving bond with your dog.
Food can also be used to reward your pooch and to reinforce the obedience commands, tricks and other behaviours you have taught them.
While food is very effective as both a lure and reward, it is also important to know when and how to phase out using food in these ways. Many furkids are so switched on that after some time, they only obey or listen when their special human has food with them! Check out Dog Star Daily for some tips from dog trainer James Dunbar on how to effectively use lures and rewards in dog training.
