April 22, 2014

Trick Training Update

Ruby's aptitude for learning tricks is remarkable, and seemingly only limited by my imagination and sometimes her cautiousness (she doesn't like going into small spaces or standing on anything that wobbles, for instance). The latest thing we are working on I have cued "march," and it's like chorus-line kicks or Spanish Walk if you're of an equestrian mind, where she alternately raises her front legs up high. Ruby already shakes with both paws (I use "paw" for left and "other" for right) so it was easy to translate from a standing position (she also knows "stand'). I am combining the hand cue with lifting up my foot on the side I want her to raise (mirroring her) and hope to eventually phase out the hand cue. She seems to do better if I am moving slightly backward, so she is walking as she flings her feet out. It's pretty cute.

I have decided to apply for her Trick Dog Title through Do More With Your Dog - going through the list she already knows enough to be eligible for the Intermediate level! It will be a nice way for us to accomplish something without having to stress us both out in public, since you can perform all the tricks at home and have a witness sign off on the application.

Funnily enough, one of Ruby's natural behaviors that I've put on cue, the leg-hike, is considered an advanced trick! Ruby has always lifted her hind leg to solicit thigh scratches, and I previously called it "scratchies," but the potential for humor was too great to ignore and I have been working on changing the cue. Here is the result:

7 comments:

  1. She is both too cute and so smart! Way to go, Ruby! And congrats to you as well! Color me very impressed.

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    1. Ruby makes me look good. I just hand out the food :)

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  2. OMD! That is too cute! Ruby is brilliant and funny!
    Happy Tuesday,
    Oz

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  3. Back leg behaviors are very advanced. Most dogs are like Silas, who is (at best) dimly aware that he even has back legs, let alone that he can move them independently.

    Silas is very smart and loves to learn, but (anthropomorphizing a bit) he's also a pragmatist. I've always struggled to teach him things that are just "cute" or "silly." Things like heeling, targeting, going to specific places, he gets almost instantly. I suspect what is *actually* true is that he doesn't have a lot of fine motor awareness, which silly tricks call for. See above re: rear end awareness.

    I'll have to look at the Trick Dog lists again.

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    1. Ruby will even do the leg-hike on either side, which really surprised me, although she's left-side dominant. (I said dominant!)

      Some of the things on the the trick list are pretty simple and not even things I'd really consider tricks, such as fetching and following a point.

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  4. That is HILARIOUS!!! Such an awesome party trick. And I had no idea about the Trick Dog Title. I think I'm going to have to look into that with Cooper. Thanks so much for sharing, and keep us posted on your trick training progress!

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