The Sheila Variations

Expert Essay: A Dog Trick, by Noggie

Here is another Expert Essay in my series, sent in by a long-time reader of this blog: Noggie. (Her other essays can be read here.) She has sent me an essay about teaching your dog a certain trick, in order to show people that you have " the world's smartest dog."

A Dog Trick
by Noggie

Here is a dog trick. It has no real purpose except that it is easy for your dog to learn and it is fun to do. It is some added variety to your interaction with the dog. Of course, it will be proof positive to the kids in the neighborhood that you have the world's smartest dog.

The trick is to teach your dog to go between your legs with each step you take. You will need to have small pieces of dog treats in each hand. Tiny pieces of wiener are ideal for this - and this is easier to teach when your dog is a bit hungry. When you and your dog have learned this trick, it will be like a small choreographed dance. You will notice, from the last sentence, that you have to learn this trick too - because you are part of this routine.

To start teaching this trick, have the dog on your left side, at or about heel position. Now have some treats in your right and left hand; and take a big step forward with your right foot. With this large gap between your right leg and your left leg, drop your hand behind your right knee, show the treat to the dog and say "through!". As soon as the dog starts to move and follow your right hand, praise. Lead the dog to the front of your right knee and allow it to have the treat.

As the treat goes in the dog's mouth, take a large step with your left leg. Drop your left hand behind your left knee and lead the dog through your legs. Lead the dog to the front of your left knee and allow it to have the treat. As soon as the dog is moving in the correct direction, following the hand with the treat, verbally praise. Sound excited. Tell the dog how well it is doing.

As soon as the dog has reached the front of your left knee, give a treat; take a step with your right foot; say "through", drop your right hand behind your right knee and lead the dog through your legs. At the beginning, you are treating every time the dog goes through your legs. You can do this for the whole first day. The second day, you can start with a treat for every pass through your legs. Then give the treat for every two passes through your legs - then every pass - then every two passes. Vary it so the dog hurries and make the dog work for the treats. Soon the dog will know what you want with the word "through" - and remember to praise. Tell the dog it is right. Tell the dog how smart it is. And have fun with this.

And you're right - this is difficult to do with a big dog like a great dane.

Other Expert essays:
Dean Esmay: How to make Chili
Michael Thomas: Horse racing

Posted by sheila