Training Tips
Working with your dog to teach him or her new tricks is rewarding for both of you. Dogs are eager to please and want your attention. Teaching your dog to use the Amazing Treat Machine will give you both a great sense of accomplishment and stronger bond.
Introducing The Amazing Treat Machine
You have just assembled your Amazing Treat Machine and are very excited to introduce it to your best friend but is it the right time for your best friend to be introduced to the Amazing Treat Machine?
This is an important question to ask yourself.
If your dog is in an excited, hyper, in need of some exercise state we suggest you address your dog’s need for physical stimulation. After a walk, run, swim, hike or joyous romp in the backyard he or she will be physically relaxed and mentally ready to be introduced and respond to understanding how the Amazing Treat Machine works.
Remember, the Amazing Treat Machine isn’t a toy that will be available anytime like a stuffed chew toy. It will be your dog’s special toy that rewards him or her with treats and rolling tennis ball whenever you place it on the floor.
The Amazing Treat Machine is a Game!
We humans know the Amazing Treat Machine is a toy, but your dog most likely associates “toys” as objects to chew. We suggest you don’t introduce it as a toy. Instead, introduce it as a game! The idea with the Amazing Treat Machine is to have enjoyable and rewarding time with your dog.
Ask your dog to get his or her tennis ball. Then reward with praise or treat. Your dog is now alert and ready to listen to the rules of the game. Tell your pet in a positive and fun tone that you are going to play a game. Ask your pet to pick up the tennis ball, then place the Amazing Treat Machine on the floor. By placing it on the floor and not in his or her mouth like the other “toys” your dog will begin to not see it as a toy but as a curious object. This is the first step in showing your dog this is not a chew toy!
You can then begin following the Training Tips listed below.
Always be patient with your dog and take a break if either of you get frustrated.
Once your dog learns to use the Amazing Treat Machine don’t stop! Find new tricks and games for you and your dog to learn.
Step 1 – Learning Drop it
Stand in front of your dog while he or she holds a tennis ball in its mouth. Point at the ground in front of your dog. In a firm and even tone tell your dog “drop it.”
Continue pointing and do not move. Repeat the phrase “drop it” occasionally in the same tone. It may take a while, but when your dog finally drops the ball, enthusiastically reward him or her with praise and treats or the tennis ball.
Not Dropping it?
Having difficulty training your best friend to “drop it”? We understand. Our dog Hustler struggled with this at first as well. If your dog is reluctant to release his or her tennis ball it can be helpful to hold a second tennis ball in your hand while telling your dog “drop it.”
We suggest the second tennis ball be identical in shape and color to be of equal value to your dog. It worked for us and we hope this tip works for your dog, too! Alternately a more enticing treat can be offered.
Do not try to force the tennis ball away from your dog.
Step 2 – It’s The Amazing Treat Machine Game!
Your calm and relaxed dog is now sitting with a tennis ball in his or her mouth. Place your assembled Amazing Treat Machine on the floor. At this point your dog will not know whether it is a piece of furniture or toy since you have been the only one to handle it. Your dog may chose to sniff it to try and understand what it is, but like a table, chair or television, your dog has not yet associated it as a toy.
Dogs are often very quick to associate words with objects and activities. Tell your dog “it’s the Amazing Treat Machine game” in a positive and fun tone. After some time your dog will associate the phrase, object, and activity. After your dog learns the game, don’t be surprised to see your dog come running with a tennis ball when you say “it’s Amazing Treat Machine time!”
The Amazing Treat Machine offers you and your dog a positive and mentally stimulating shared experience. Your dog will appreciate you more for introducing this game. Even though your dog will be playing while you supervise, it will be shared playtime for your pet because you have provided the game!
Hint
If your dog attempts to chew its Amazing Treat Machine, quickly and calmly take it away from your dog. Put it out of reach and give your dog a toy that is ok to chew.
Step 3 – Playing The Amazing Treat Machine Game!
Fill your Amazing Treat Machine with treats or kibble, place it on the floor, and stand behind it. Give your dog a tennis ball then offer them a treat held a few inches above the Amazing Treat Machine. Instruct your dog to “drop it.”
The tennis ball will fall into the Amazing Treat Machine and roll out the front along with some treats. Enthusiastically praise your dog while pointing out the tennis ball and treats that have rolled out.
Encourage your dog to retrieve the ball and repeat this step. Your dog will begin to understand the game, identifying the Amazing Treat Machine as a treat dispensing object and not a chew toy.
Hint
Pick a fun phrase, like “Treat Machine” or “In the Chute,” to tell your dog to drop the tennis ball into the Amazing Treat Machine.
Step 4 – Congratulations!
You and your dog are amazing! Now it’s time to show off both of your skills to friends and family.
The Amazing Treat Machine is also a great way to feed your dog. Fill it with a cup of dog food and enjoy a cup of coffee while your dog has fun eating breakfast.
Always supervise your dog while he or she uses the Amazing Treat Machine.
Store the Amazing Treat Machine out of your dog’s reach when not in use.
For The Small Dogs
Some dogs aren’t big enough to pick up a tennis ball or tall enough to drop one into the Amazing Treat Machine but they can still have fun playing with it!
Drop the tennis ball in for you dog and watch them run for the treats.
Hint
The Amazing Treat Machine can also amuse and entertain your cat!
Is the Amazing Treat Machine Right for My Dog?
Yes! Dogs young and old, large and small will have fun with the Amazing Treat Machine.
Your dog wants your attention. Playing with your dog and the Amazing Treat Machine will be amusing and entertaining for both of you!
