Trick-or-treat for dogs (Which hand???)

What you need:

• Healthy treats
• Optional extras: training whistle, clicker

 What to do:

 This instinct game challenges your dog to solve a simple-food-detection task and will be enjoyed by all members of the family, from the oldest to the youngest:) A fun way of offering food treats, it is also an excellent means of rewarding your dog after he has undertaken a task. Try playing it after he has had his muddy paws cleaned or has gone outside to relieve himself. He will quickly learn that if he performs a particular task, or is calm and patient while something is done, this game will follow.

  Instruct your dog to sit. Then take a treat and place it on your open palm. Pass it between both open hands, in a slow and deliberate way, so that he can watch what is happening. Close your hands, then place them behind your back, before bringing one hand in front of him.

  Ask in a bright voice "This?" Then replace it with the other hand and say "Or This?" With both closed fists outstretched, say brightly "Which Hand?"

  Let your dog sniff or lick your hands initially, especially during early attempts at this game. When he shows a preference for the fist that he has the treat inside (some dogs even learn to paw the correct fist gently), say "Yes" in a congratulatory way. If he goes to the fist without the treat, say "No" in a sad tone, the show him both open hands so that he learns by his mistake.

  Your dog will soon learn that the fist with the treat smells stronger than the one that is empty. Some dogs give a friendly woof when they think  they know the correct hand. With small dogs, it is best to play when you are seated.

- Husky