MY DOG LOVES TRICKS

 

If you have the time, patience and a dog, there is no limit of tricks you can teach your best friend. What wise guy said you can’t reach an old dog new tricks? Totally busted! The only problem is that most people don’t take the time to teach that old dog new tricks. Or young ones for that matter.

 

TIP: Patience! Only work your dog for five minutes at a time! If your dog simply doesn’t get it, stop for the day and review your directions. Always end each session on a positive note even if your dog made no improvement. Use tasty treats to keep your dog from getting bored. Have a play session after each training session. This keeps it fun for both of you.

 

Focus: In order to teach your dog tricks and have him perform them, you must have his attention. Image, a perfectly attentive dog, both eyes on you, alert and ready for the slightest trick signal from you! It is possible, yes even for the super hyper Wheaten.

 

Directions: There are a variety of focusing tricks out there, here are two basic ones.

 

Look at me:  Here you get your dog to focus on you for a limited time, and then reward him with a treat. Make sure your hands are hidden, so he won’t be inclined to look at them instead. Start with sitting on your knees (or in a chair if that doesn’t work for you, you want the dog to be able to look into your face) but, you can stand for more authority. Call the dog over to you, have him sit and say his name and ask him to “focus.” Now when you have his attention, make him hold it for a few seconds and beyond. If his concentration breaks and he stops looking at you, call him again “Fido focus” and shorten the time you have Fido focus.

 

Ball catch: This is a fun activity for regular playtime, yet it also improves coordination and focusing skills. This ‘game’ evolves out of the regular ball throw and a retrieve. Start by having the ball in your hand, and Fido sitting in front of you. Many of you might be thinking about now that your Wheaten isn’t playful and doesn’t like toys or balls. Rethink this and remember you have a terrier breed. They were bred to hunt and kill little furry things. Try a toy that has a slit you can hide food in, a squeaky, furry toy, or a furry ball. Be fun and playful yourself, keep your session short and your Fido may surprise you. Start the game by holding the ball in your hand and having the dog sitting in front of you. Hold the ball and let the dog take it out of your hand. Play around with this