Young Dog, New Trick

One of the items on my "Retirement To-Do List" is getting Toby into a new class. I'd love to try agility with him but he would also benefit from the challenge of an advanced obedience class.  

Well so far, no luck. I know, I know. How can this be in a large metro area? Well, the agility class that looks great is on Saturdays at 2 PM.  That's not going to work for us... as Ted says (with just a hint of bitterness): "Some of us still know what a weekend is!"  

The closest agility class is out because we've had problems with the daycare (Toby) and boarding (Kasey) there. Sorry, two strikes is out in this game. 

The advanced obedience class I tried didn't "make" - not enough students.

 I'll keep looking, but in the meantime I've been checking out videos on YouTube. One that looked interesting showed how to teach your dog to "wave".  I decided to give it a try.

Yeah, not my idea of a treat either, but I'm not the one being rewarded...

First, and most importantly, the reward treats. I used a Pup-er-oni because it's Toby's favorite treat. In fact we call it "doggie crack" because he will do ANYTHING to get to them. (Two weeks ago I accidentally left the pantry door ajar. Toby noticed. He snuck the bag out without making a sound, stole into the living room, and left the empty bag under a chair.)

 The treat is torn into teenie-tiny bits because Toby's is gettting too portly and has been put on a diet. By the way - It isn't working. Some of us spell diet P-E-A-N-U-T-S.

"I must have done something, something good!"

Step 1: A good solid "SHAKE". We're all set there!

"Which paw? I'm ambidextrous!"

Step 2: Say "WAVE" while holding hand out, then say "YES!" to mark it when dog raises paw. Let paw brush hand but do not hold it. Give treat. Repeat several times. I interspersed "SHAKE" a few times too, to show Toby the difference.

"Well, hello to you too!"

Step 3: Gradually flip your hand to change the signal to a wave. 

That's it! Toby got it the first day and showed his new trick to his friends in Physical Therapy during his TherapyDog visit on Monday to lots of oohs and ahhs :)

Here's a preview of coming attractions: next project is FETCH! 

Goodness knows he needs the exercise. A 2-mile walk every day just isn't burning off enough calories from what some people call Toby's "dieting". Yes Ted I'm referring to you!