As a dog trainer, I’ve learned that hand-feeding is a valuable tool for building trust and reinforcing commands. It’s a technique that’s essential for strengthening the bond between dog and handler, and it’s a method that I swear by.
But let’s be real, it’s not without its drawbacks. The smell of dog food, the sticky fingers, and the biohazard zone that follows me everywhere – it’s a less-than-glamorous part of the job.
I remember the good old days when I first started training dogs. I’d show up to sessions with a bag of treats and a smile, ready to take on the world. But as the days went by, I realized that hand-feeding wasn’t as glamorous as I thought it would be. The smell of dog food lingered on my hands long after the session was over, and I’d find myself scrubbing my fingers raw with soap and water. And don’t even get me started on the slobbery cell phone and doorknobs – it was a never-ending battle to keep myself clean.
That’s when I discovered my secret weapon: Disposable Latex Gloves. It was a game-changer. With a glove on my hand, I could dish out treats like a pro while keeping my other hand free for more important things… like adjusting the remote, opening doors, scratching my face, or (let’s be real) scrolling through Tinder.
But, I won’t lie, it’s not without its challenges. Putting on and taking off the glove can be a wrestling match, and I’ve been known to resemble a creepy van-dwelling, dog-food-covered villain. And let’s not forget the subtle scent of latex that lingers long after the glove is gone. It’s a small price to pay, though, for the convenience and cleanliness that it brings.
The Benefits of Hand-Feeding (and Glove-Wearing)
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- Builds trust and strengthens bonds with your dog
- Reinforces commands and encourages good behavior
- Keeps your hands clean and kibble-free (thanks to the glove!)
- Allows for multi-tasking (hello, remote control and Tinder scrolling!)
The Drawbacks of Hand-Feeding (and Glove-Wearing)
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- Smells like dog food (or latex, depending on the day)
- Can be a biohazard zone waiting to happen
- Glove-wrestling is a real thing
- You might get mistaken for a creepy van-dwelling villain
Want to see the glove in action? Check out my video, “The Dog Trainer’s Dirty Little Secret: How I Keep My Hands Clean”, where I share my hilarious and relatable struggles with hand-feeding and the game-changing solution that saved my sanity (and my hands). You’ll see me in all my glory – glove-clad and covered in slobber – as I dish out treats and train my furry friends.
The Verdict
Hand-feeding, glove and all, is a small price to pay for the joys of dog training. It’s a technique that’s worth the hassle, and the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. So, if you see me around Denver, glove-clad and covered in slobber, just know that sacrifices must be made in the name of dog training. And who knows – maybe you’ll even learn to love the glove as much as I do.
