How to teach a dog to catch food?

[M&M's Mommy]

I hate to say it, but none of my four would catch food. I am not sure if its that I trained them not to touch something I didnt hand to them, or put in their bowls. ( I have counter height surfers ya know- and that stopped that from them helping themselves)
With the shepherds I did the training in stages. first standing close to you- food over head- drop it right near them. I do not like a dog snatching something in your hand- so I would just put it right on top of them-. As time progresses, you back up a little etc.

This may be it. My three are taught not to steal my food, and I never give them table craps while I eat, so they never beg. (In fact, if they see me eating, they'd go to sleep , and wake up when I'm done). Maybe they are new to this food throwing game and do not know how to play

Does anyone's dog never miss anything throwing at them?? How do you teach that? Right now my dogs just look at me like I'm crazy when I throw something to them, and take a step back, just so they can avoid getting smacked in the face, and to give place for the food to land nicely in front of them - then they pick it up and eat it.

[borzoimom]

This may be it. My three are taught not to steal my food, and I never give them table craps while I eat, so they never beg. (In fact, if they see me eating, they'd go to sleep , and wake up when I'm done). Maybe they are new to this food throwing game and do not know how to play

Does anyone's dog never miss anything throwing at them?? How do you teach that? Right now my dogs just look at me like I'm crazy when I throw something to them, and take a step back, just so they can avoid getting smacked in the face, and to give place for the food to land nicely in front of them - then they pick it up and eat it.

Then I bet that is right- Taking out of the kitchen, have the dog sit or stand in front. I mean right in front of you. Its like- you are dropping it on their nose.

[cyber-sibes]

Star is a real expert at catching food in the air. Honestly I don't recall how she learned . My son probably just started throwing food at her. Catching food has been good, because some kids are a little afraid to hold out a treat, but they like tossing them to her. She'll jump really high to catch it.
She occasionally misses, but not too often!

I hold it up and wave it in the air a bit to get her attention - then say "Star, are you ready to catch?" That way it's like a game.
I use very small treats to do this - those little Mother Hubbard bits.
A mentioned, some dogs don't ever get it. Rosie never did, the treat would bounce off her nose every time.