I hope you are all well and safe. We are now into the second week of lockdown and it’s still difficult to adjust to all the changes.
Two weeks ago I managed to get a Click and Collect slot at Tesco for yesterday, so I thought we would be fine. Unfortunately, when I got home I found a bag of things was missing – including milk which we really needed. So today I had to go out. It took me seven minutes to go round the shop and buy what I needed – but only after 27 minutes queuing outside, at a safe 2m distance of course. Anyway, at least we have milk now. I can’t drink coffee or tea without milk!
Today’s Coronavirus Canine Challenge is to teach your dog to spin or twist – in other words, to teach them to run right round in a full circle.
First, decide what words you want to use. I use “Twist” for Gus turning to his left and “Spin” for him turning to his right. You’ll find that your dog will find turning one way easier than turning the other, so test it out and I suggest you start with the turn your dog finds easiest.
The easiest way to teach it is by using a lure that is, a piece of food held in your fingers that you show to the dog and that he can follow. Hold the lure in front of your dog’s nose, then gradually move it round in a big circle in your chosen direction so your dog follows it. You can say your chosen word as he moves round too. As soon as he completes the full circle, praise and give him the treat.
Repeat twice more. Then try using the same hand movement but without a treat in your fingers, remembering to praise well and give a treat when he completes the circle.
Gradually you can reduce your hand movement to a small hand signal – mine is a finger pointing down then moved in the direction I want Gus to go.
Make it harder by asking him to do it in front of you, at your side, with him a distance away – anything you can think of. Just keep it fun!
Keep safe and keep training
Carol