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WILLY'S WINTER ACTIVITY Courtesy of Robi Tatkin, M.A., CPDT ABC Obedience Dog Training
A New Spin on Winter
While you and your pooches
are stuck inside this winter, why not teach them a new trick? Having your dog “spin” on command will
use up some brain power, energy and can even help wipe their paws when done on
a towel! You will need:
1. Yummy, tiny soft treats
2. A word (“yes”) or sound (the clicker is quicker) that ALWAYS
means “that is right, treat is coming” (don’t use regular praise like “good dog”). To charge up your marker sound, simply
click or say “yes” and immediately hand the dog a treat. Do this 10 times and then the
association should be established for most dogs.
Begin by luring (having your
dog slowly follow the treat in your hand) in a circular motion, keeping your
hand level with your dog’s topline (their back). If your hand is too high, they tend to sit. If too low, they may lie down. At first, reward any PART of the turn
by “marking“ and treating.
Gradually start asking for more and more movement before you mark. Then try to raise your hand so that the
dog sees it more as a signal than a lure.
When the dog is able to complete a circle in one direction, then add
your verbal cue such as “spin”.
After your dog masters one
direction, try in the other direction and add a different cue word such as “twirl”
or “circle”.
Always work in short 2-5
minute sessions and end on a good note each time. Have fun!
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