Seven Days to a Stronger Bond and Better Behavior

A Trainer’s Go-To Method for Rebuilding Trust and Focus

Author

Steve Hebert
April 11, 2025

Hand feeding might sound a little extra… until you try it.

It’s one of the simplest, most powerful tools I recommend to clients—and I practice it with my own dogs, especially when we need a relationship reset. Whether your pup is jumping on your kids, acting weird with guests, or just feeling “off,” hand feeding can do some magic.

🍽️ What It Is

You sit calmly. No talking, no commands, just a bowl of your dog’s regular kibble in hand. You wait. When your dog offers something polite—like eye contact or a sit—you quietly mark it with a “yes” and feed them from your hand. No theatrics. No bribery. Just food for calm, thoughtful choices.

🧘‍♂️ Embrace the Awkward (and the Barking)

The first time you try this, your dog might go a little bonkers. They might bark. They might jump on you. Maybe they’ll run around in circles like you’ve lost your mind—and they might not be wrong.

That’s okay. That’s where the learning starts.

This isn’t about instant obedience. It’s about giving your dog space to think, to try, and to figure it out. It might just be you standing there holding a bowl of kibble above your head while your dog throws a toddler-style meltdown. Embrace it. Be patient.

If you feel like you’re hitting your limit, try holding on for just five more seconds. If it’s still too much? Take a break. Your dog will survive—and so will you. Try again in 10 minutes, 30 minutes, later that day. Sometimes both of you just need a reset.

The awkward moments are where the magic starts.

🧠 Why It Works

Food is primal. Dogs were domesticated because of it. Hand feeding taps into that ancient social contract: through me, you get resources. But it’s not about dominance—it’s about connection and communication. You're showing your dog how to engage with you, not just what to do.

🔄 Great For:

  • Dogs who are pushy, jumpy, or too excited around people

  • Kids learning how to interact with dogs

  • Resetting after stressful events (like grooming or a bad guest interaction)

  • Strengthening a bond that needs a little boost

💥 Pro Tips:

  • Don't say anything except "yes"

  • Avoid corrections—let your body language do the talking

  • If your dog jumps, stand up and wait

  • Reward the moment calm thinking shows up

🧪 Want a Challenge?

Try this: Hand feed every meal for 7 days. No bowls. Just your hand and your dog’s brain solving the “how do I earn food?” puzzle. Let me know what you notice.

This little ritual can change everything about how your dog sees you—and how they act because of it.

Until next time,
– Steve

🐾 Need a Home Away from Home for Your Dog?

If you're in the Hillsboro area and need a safe, caring place for your dog while you're away, check out my profile on Rover. I offer boarding out of my home with the option for training time.