FUN STUFF

TRAINING TIP

A trick is always sure to impress and helps to add some fun to your training time with your dog.

The "Circle" command means for the dog to turn in a 360 degree circle. In the beginning, only work for short durations, one circle at a time. Gradually, you can build to greater repetitions (1 circle, 2 circles, 3 circles, etc.) Don't rush and take it slowly. Only progress as your dog gains proficiency at the step you are currently working on. Training any behavior takes time, patience, and practice.

Always keep your practice sessions short but regular. 3 to 5 minutes, two or three times a day, will bring tremendous results in an amazingly short period of time.

Select a quiet place to train with no distractions. It is best if your dog is in a calm relaxed state (such as a walk), and hungry.

This is one method to teach the trick "Circle" to your dog.

1. Start with your dog in a standing position.

2. Facing your dog, hold a treat in your right hand close to the dog's nose. Let the dog smell the treat.

3. As you start to move the treat slowly in a counter-clockwise direction, give the command, "(your dog's name), Circle!"

4. As the dog's head and body begin to follow the treat, this will cause the dog to circle.

5. When the dog has completed a complete circle, mark the behavior (if you are using a clicker), reward your dog with the treat, and say, "Good, (your dog's name), Circle!"

6. Repeat steps 1-5, and finish with your release command, such as "Free!", when the training session is over.

7. Once your dog is completing a nice smooth circle with a treat, you can begin using hand signals alone, such as a circle drawn with your hand, and the voice command.

8. After the dog is performing circles consistently with hand and voice commands, you can teach your dog to spin, i.e. performing a circle in a clockwise direction.

When these two commands are used back-to-back, "(your dog's name), Circle!", and then, "(your dog's name), Spin!", an impressive display is presented that is sure to impress.

It is important to reward your dog while performing the command correctly. The reward is for completing a circle, no matter how slow or awkwardly performed. If your dog starts to move off, sit, lie down, etc., give your vocal correction, such as a low, gutteral, "Ahh!", place the dog back in the correct position through commands, withold the treat, and start over.

REMEMBER: Always keep training sessions upbeat and positive. Set the dog up for success by not asking for to much to soon, and always finish on a positive note, i.e. a command well executed.

COOKING FOR YOUR DOG

Here is a quick and easy treat you can make for your dog today with ingredients already in your house.

Microwave Banana Treats

INGREDIENTS

1 Banana Mashed

1 egg

1/8 cup shredded cheddar

cheese

1 Tablespoon Milk

Peel and mash the banana. Mix the mashed banana, egg, cheese, and milk together.

Spray or lightly grease a microwave safe plate. Pour the mixture onto the plate. Microwave for 2 1/2 minutes. Turn the egg over with a spatula. Microwave an additional 2 1/2 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.

Cool on wax paper or a newspaper page. Slice into treat sized pieces.

Refrigerate leftovers.

Enjoy!

TRIVIA

1. Did you know that while dogs can see colors, they are red/green color blind?