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 DONNA MALONE - www.mypetpro.com

Pet Behavior Counseling and Training


Phone: (901) 354-8795
Fax: (901) 357-7443
Email:
donna@mypetpro.com

 

 

 


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The Vent Brush:

Picture of a vent brush

A vent brush makes an inexpensive soft-bite training tool and it is readily available in stores such as Target and Walmart. 

Once you have the vent brush, hold a treat in one hand and the brush in another.  Hold the treat so that it barely shows under the bristles of the brush.  When your dog looks at the brush with the treat held directly under it, your dog should see this:

Picture of Vent Brush with End Tips

Note that the end of each bristle on the above brush has slightly bulbous tips. The tips are there so the brush is gentler on your scalp and your dog's nose. 

If you hold the brush with a treat directly below bristles, in the above position, the dog, as it comes in to take the treat, will bump its nose into the bristles on the brush. Say "easy" as your dog approaches and tries to take the treat. Most dogs quickly learn to approach the treat more gently when the brush is over the treat. As the dog learns to approach more slowly and gently, pull the brush away from the treat.  If and when the dog reverts to snapping at the treat, simply put the brush back over the treat and repeat the exercise. Repeat this exercise as often necessary until your dog understands that it should take treats gently.

Some particularly food oriented dogs may need a slight modification to the brush -- see picture below.  Notice that the bulbous tip of each bristle has been snipped off with scissors or nail clippers. Clipped in this way, the brush has additional "stopping" power.  Repeat the above exercises with the brush without the bulbous tips.

Picture of Vent Brush Minus Tips

Another alternative for training your dog to take treats gently is THE TUBE.

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Disclaimer: Information provided on this website is provided for education purposes only. You and you alone are responsible for your pet's well-being. You are advised to consult with a veterinarian concerning the use of any training method, product, tool or toy described on this or any other website to insure your pet's safety. I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time and for any reason!

All questions regarding any information on this site should be directed to: donna@mypetpro.com

Copyright 2003 Donna Malone. All rights reserved.
Last modified: 10/20/2008 03:29:36 PM

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