Fenzi Dog Sports Podcast

We all think we know how to train with food — but sometimes it's more complex than we tend to think! Join Sharon and I for a conversation about juggling the roles food can play in training, why getting food out of the picture is so complicated, how to tackle dogs who won't work unless food is present, and more. 

Note: After re-reviewing the rulebook, Sarah requested we clarify that the specific food refusal exercise is distinct and while it can happen during check in, it's not supposed to happen during another exercise. However, at higher levels, the field is often "baited" and the dog is expected to understand they are not to eat the otherwise available food. The food refusal exercise in Mondioring is always impressive to watch... but it might be worth teaching even if mondio isn't a goal for you and your dog. Sarah and I talk about what's involved in teaching the exercise, including learning to communicate to your dog when rewards are and are not available, and why you might just want to give teaching food refusal a try.

Some dogs get overexcited when people come over... and some have decidedly less positive feelings about the experience. Either way, if your dog has feelings about guests invading their home, this episode is for you. Irith and I talk about what's going on under the surface and how we approach dealing with it. 

Caden Cristopher joins me for a discussion on training your dog to recall while building a relationship that enables both of you to do more together... we dive into advanced scenarios as well as chatting about the basics. 

Petra joins me before picking up a new puppy to chat about how she approaches foundations these days... and what she considers important for a resilient, capable, competition obedience canine.