I've tried bait and no bait in the ring. I think bait works better for Logan, but not for me. He likes it and responds to it well, but as a new handler it's a pain in the butt. I know what I'm expected to do. Doing it once in the ring is hard. I get caught up in the minute and then forget what I'm supposed to do the next. I once stacked Logan backwards on the table. D'oh! Logan is SUPER food driven and he knows if I have cookies in my pocket. That's all he'll pay attention to. Jumping on the handler is frowned upon.
Yes, I know training and time will cure it. Not there yet. Too many hobbies. Showing, breeding, MGBs, stereos, astronomy, motorcycles, family, friends, travel, house, etc. I need more time.
