MannersMinder: Getting Started

This clip shows how the remote controlled treat dispenser operates.
The full version of this and the rest of the MannersMinder videos will be posted at www.drsophiayin.com in the online education section 8/2009. For more information on the MannersMinder, go to www.drsophiayin.com or www.Treatandtrain.com.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• mannersminder
• treat and train

[SuperBark1]

So many users have said their dog is so much more motivated for training and to work with THEM than before they used the Manners Minder and this is in part because with the machine the owner's timing is way better.

[SuperBark1]

This machine and program provide even regular owners with the ability to have better timing and treat delivery (both of which are essential) so they can stop confusing and frustrating their dogs. The dogs end up knowing that the owners are responsible for giving the food. Ask anyone on the facebook page whether their dogs is more or less bonded to them because of the protocol and training and you will find that their dogs are much MORE bonded and happy with them.

[SuperBark1]

If you visit my drsophiayin site you can see that clearly the main philosphy andobjective is that dogs are happy and dogs connect with humans on a new level (one that most owners will never have the pleasure of experiencing). Dogs don't care whether rewards are coming from your hand or the machine. They just care that your timing is good and you are consistent.

[SuperBark1]

If you watch the body language of the dogs you can see the dogs are very happy: tail wagging, good eye contact with humans in between looking for their treats. One of the most important factors in training if you're trying to figure out what's best for the animal is to look at the dog's body language and see what they are saying rather than making final judgements primarily just based on a feeling. If we thought this was a cold way of training we wouldn't bother doing it.

[Xanubi]

I could see how this is used for training.. but I am not understanding the concept of having this replace a normal dog bowl. Explain?

[SuperBark1]

You can put those 200 pieces of kibble into the MannersMinder and use them to reward your dog for a calm downstay, practicing having people come to the door, or for playing games using the target. Having your dog work for his kibble also eliminates the need for excessive treats, which can be unhealthy and cause your dog to gain weight.

[Keiko8383]

I understand the whole concept and it's KIND OF a good idea, but it just seems like a really cold and distant way to train a dog. I would think this would be most helpful in situations where you're training one or more dogs that are not yours AND their owners are not present. I think animals and their owners/guardians should have personal relationships.

[SuperBark1]

@Xanubi To train a dog quickly, its useful to use everything the dog wants to your advantage. This includes all of his kibble. For example, if your dog eats 100-200 pieces of kibble a day and you normally put that in a bowl for him, you just wasted 200 rewards that could have been used to reinforce the behaviors you want.