Training is FUN!

And here is the proof! Arty loves to learn new tricks and has such fun doing it! I wanted to begin with this trick because it shows how much fun a dog can have while learning, and also shows how the process of learning unfolds. Not every dog will have this same progression. Every dog, though, has some sort of process when they learn. Be patient. Laugh when they make mistakes, and try it again!  Notice there is no “perfecting it” in my vocabulary. Arty is amazing and fun and smart. There’s always room for improvement, always grace for mistakes, and always patience for the next time.

Video 1: This was one of the very first times he went all the way around backwards! I kept saying “Back. Back. Back.” while using my hand to help him.He was so happy! You can see at :04 he looked like he wanted to turn around and go forward, but he kept backing around. THAT was an “ah-ha” moment for Arty!

Video 2: He was SO happy to do it! When we come in from outside, he has LOTS of energy so I put that energy to work. You will probably see that rug a lot in these videos because the rug is just inside the front door. In the beginning, I asked Arty to “finish” which is a command for being in heel position, sitting at my left side. He was so excited to do the trick it was hard for him get into the start position. I just laughed and waited until he figured it out. I LOVE his energy and little hops!

Video 3: Notice how he jumps back into place? I try hard to only give him a treat when he is in position, but sometimes that effort needs to be rewarded as well! The astute eye will see that I gave him the treat without him returning to heel position. I’ll work on that for next time!