It's Yer Choice for dogs: how to play

Your closed hand full of treats only opens when your dog backs off. Teaches self-control without a word.

You'll need

Sit in a chair with your wrist resting on your knee so your hand stays still. This is Susan Garrett's ItsYerChoice game.

Close a handful of treats in your fist and rest it on your knee. Say nothing.
Your dog will lick, nose or paw. Keep still. If they paw or nibble hard, hide the hand behind your back for 5 seconds, then try again.
The moment your dog moves back, open your hand. If they dive in, close it again.
When they hold back from the open hand, pick up one treat with your other hand and give it to them.
Repeat until your dog sits back as soon as the hand opens.
Next: hold the hand lower, then move it, then put the treats on the floor beside your hand.

No cues. Your dog works it out.
Your dog never gets treats from the open hand by grabbing; treats come from you.
Short sessions: 1 to 2 minutes.

Make it easier: Open the hand a little at a time, and reward faster.
Make it harder: Treats on the floor, then on your foot, then a treat on the floor while you walk past.

Your dog starts sitting and looking at your face when the hand opens. That's the lightbulb.

Your dog barks, whines or paws hard and doesn't settle. Make it easier.

Use gloves or a spoon if your dog is grabby and it hurts; never punish.
Not for dogs who guard food from people; get a behaviour professional to help with guarding.

Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.

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