SIT AND STAY

This week I would like to explain how teaching  tricks /playing can equal training. That means we put the "fun" back in our daily sessions.  It is  a positive and lively way for you to interact with your dog. Today we shall practice the "DOWN" with a lot of variety.

     First the: " ROLL OVER"
When your dog knows the DOWN command, then hold the treat by his nose and lure him with treat all the way over his shoulder; as he follows his nose he will roll all the way over until he is back in an upright position and  in the original down. With lot's of praise and continued practice you should be able to introduce the verbal cue "roll over" after the behavior has become comfortable for your dog. Remember Rome wasn't built in a day, so please be patience and practice for at least a few weeks before you give him the "roll over" command without luring him with a treat. Then  the treat is used as a reward after he completes the trick.

     For the next trick try the "BELLY UP"
The "belly up" another fun way to impress your friends.
From a down, lure the dog with a tasty treat, again over his shoulder only this time stop when he is on his back and we can see his belly.  Give the treat and lot's of praise while he is still in the belly up position. Once again, practice makes perfect, and please remember each dog learns at a different rate.

     If you and your dog want more fun, how about "AT EASE"
From a down, lure the dog with a yummy treat into a sit.....then celebrate and hug your dog and reward him with the treat. After the dog becomes comfortable with that exercise slowly increase the distance between you and your dog and another party trick is born.

     Now you are on the road to "play/train" with your dog.  He doesn't even know he is getting trained, not only to do tricks, but to focus on you and pay attention to your commands. These lessons will spill over in your obedience training in a big way. Yippee!