Stupid question but...I'm watching the show and seem to be seeing some of the dog handlers putting dog treats in their mouths before giving them to the dogs. Is this right or am I seeing things?

Many handlers use liver and cooked sausage. My dog loves plain beef jerky for the dog shows but I have used hot dogs too.

No, you're not seeing things! Handlers will keep treats--or "bait"--in their pockets, but if an outfit doesn't have pockets, then a mouth is the next best thing! LOL For me, it's easier to pop the bait in my mouth vs. a pocket because I'm not the most coordinated person in the world and it's easy to get distracted trying to find bait in my pocket when I need it quickly! Gotta make sure that bait is fresh, tho...there's nothing like popping a piece of rancid chicken in your mouth!

It's liver. We cook the liver until it's rather dried out. Holding it in your mouth is a lot handier than trying to get it in and out of your pocket. Also, when the liver is in your mouth - the dog will be looking up at your face, which is good.

We had a dog that baited beautifully for a piece of apple, so he and I shared many apples through the years. Baked liver (stinks up the house but the dogs love it) cookies, both human and dog, and sometimes I have seen McDonalds French fries. So it could be anything, and many people share their food with their best friend.