About Handfeeding
Why Hand Feeding Your Dog is a Game-Changer (and How to Start)
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Most of us are used to scooping our dog’s food into a bowl, popping it down, and watching it disappear in about 30 seconds flat. 🍽️ But what if I told you that how you feed your dog could be just as important as what you feed them?
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Enter: hand feeding.
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It might sound simple, but feeding your dog by hand can transform the way they see you, strengthen your bond, and supercharge your training.
Why Hand Feeding is So Good for Your Dog
Here are some of the big benefits of swapping the bowl for your hands:
1. Builds Focus on You
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Your dog learns that all the good stuff comes directly from you. That means more eye contact, better attention, and a stronger connection — which makes training much easier.
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2. Strengthens Your Bond
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Feeding by hand creates trust. Your dog associates you with food, safety, and positivity, which is especially helpful for rescue dogs or puppies who are still building confidence.
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3. Encourages Calm Behaviour
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Instead of racing through a bowl, your dog has to work gently for their food. This teaches patience, impulse control, and manners.
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4. Supercharges Training Sessions
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Why save their daily food for a bowl when you can use it for recall practice, loose-lead walking, or teaching calmness? It turns everyday meals into mini training sessions without extra calories.
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5. Helps with Fussy Eaters
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Some dogs get bored with food in a bowl, but the novelty of hand feeding can spark appetite and make meals more enjoyable.
How to Start Hand Feeding Your Dog
It’s easy to get started — just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Swap the Bowl
Instead of filling your dog’s dish, keep their daily food in a pouch, pot, or treat bag to use throughout the day.
Step 2: Reward Good Choices
Use pieces of their food to reward calm behaviour — sitting politely, lying down quietly, coming when called, or walking nicely on lead.
Step 3: Build Eye Contact
Hold a piece of food in your hand. Wait until your dog looks up at you, then reward. Over time, this builds natural focus and attention.
Step 4: Take It On Walks
Bring some of their meal with you on walks. Reward your dog for checking in with you, walking by your side, or ignoring distractions.
Step 5: Mix It Up
You don’t have to hand feed every single kibble. Some can go in enrichment toys or scatter-fed in the garden. The key is using a good portion of their daily food for training and bonding.
Does Hand Feeding Mean No Bowls Ever Again?
Not at all! Think of hand feeding as a tool, not a rule. You might choose to hand feed full meals for a few weeks when you bring a new puppy home, or just use part of their daily ration this way. It’s flexible, simple, and hugely effective.
The Bottom Line
Hand feeding isn’t just about giving your dog food — it’s about building trust, focus, and calmness. By making mealtimes interactive, you turn food into a training opportunity and a bonding experience.
✨ So, before you reach for the bowl tonight, try using some of that food in your hands instead. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
👉 Want to learn more ways to use food to shape good behaviour?
Get in touch to book a training session today!
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