My trainer has suggested that i do not feed my dog before training him.  That it will help him be more keen and enthusiastic to gain his reward.  However, Frisco is fed late morning after his walk, and the class is in the evening.  Will this be ok?  I did try it one week and yes he was far more attentive and responsive (perhaps even a bit too keen at times, i.e. jumping up and trying to grab at my hand during heelwork).  But i felt so sorry for him going hungry during the day.  Even had to leave the room in order to have MY breakfast of toast because i felt guilty.

The training class is only one night a week, but then there is also my training practices with him during the week which i do at different times.

I seem to be in a 'catch 22' situation!  What do others think?  How do you get round this problem?

Thank you

Do you work and perform well after a full meal?

Grabbing your hand will fade as long as you use food CORRECTLY and do not allow him success at mugging.

FWIW my dogs generally only get fed during/whilst training.

Do remember that dogs were designed to gorge and starve so he will not fade away...........

It is not necessary to feed dogs at the same time every day, you just make yourself a slave to them and they tell YOU what time it is.

Methinks it should be the other way around; food should be a gift not a right.

Give him half or less of his food as a compromise he will be keen but not starving

Never bothers my dogs whether they are fed or not before training

Yes, I agree with Moonmaiden. I give Ralph half of his food before training, then the rets when we get home. Our class is in the evening too, he doesn't mind at all.

I never feed mine before a dog club night. Once a week will certainly not do them any harm to have their dinner later

Does Frisco have just the one meal a day?
If so, I would tend to feed him as normal after a walk, but a bit less than usual; then, by the time training comes round, he should be fairly hungry. After training, you could feed him the rest of his meal :)

Lindsay
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