Quote Originally Posted by TuMicks View Post
AND HERE WAS THE REVELATION!!! The next time around, she stopped herself in mid-squeek. Finally we could heel to food in 2' increments and wait-wait-wait, NO SQUEEK.

The point is, she stopped herself. She knows exactly what she's been doing. I just stopped yelling "QUIET" at her. By the last handful of kibble, not only was there no squeek, her panting was gone. She had her mouth closed. She looked more relaxed.

I DID let her have the food. (Naturally) I suppose in a field setting, if I see the same effort at relaxed waiting... I have to give her the mark.
I am a huge fan of this type of training. Once they understand that they actually control getting what they want -- food, bird, toy, etc. -- it's pretty amazing! Sometimes I'll be in the kitchen doing dishes and I'll look down and see Linus in perfect heel position, with a wiggly tail, smiling up at me, wanting to work. I love it!