Barkley does a great job sitting for his dinner, so we took it a step further and have him lie down. This increases his down time and establishes leadership. He understands that the food is mine and I choose when he gets to eat. The dogs wait calmly while I prepare each dinner, place one bowl down, prepare another and place it down. Once everyone is served, I can do whatever I want about the kitchen before they can eat – talk on the phone, get a glass of water, do some dishes – dinner is ready when I say! He is learning proper manners by staying calm and settled and not trying to see what everybody else is eating. Good boy Barkley!
