Much to Himself’s delight it’s finally raining after weeks of gorgeous weather. He has been muttering about putting fertiliser down on the lawn for a few weeks now and he was finally able to do it this morning – and now it’s raining so he’s walking around looking very smug.
I appreciate that we needed the rain but I still prefer lovely warm, sunny weather when Gus and I can go and sit outside. At least we had our walk in the dry weather this morning.
Today’s challenge is the first one (of several) about teaching your dog to be more aware of their back end. In general dogs think about where they put their front paws and the back end just follows. Some dogs are clumsier than others and some naturally have more awareness.
I used an old phone book and a pack of magazines today in the video, but you can use anything appropriate for your dog – a tray turned upside down, or a small book, or whatever. It need to be something big enough for them to put two paws on but not so big that it’s any sort of struggle to get on, or that they have no choice but to step on it.
Start by encouraging your dog to put their front paws on, praise and treat any attempts. Once they are comfortable with that, encourage them to place their paws on and stand on it for a second or two, remembering to praise and reward regularly.
Then try walking your dog over the obstacle, this time, watching for any back paw lift and touching the object, reward all attempts until your dog is walking happily back and forth across it.
Have a go and I’ll be back tomorrow.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol