Teach your dog tricks for even deeper bonding!

Every day KT and I work on learning a new trick. Her hardest trick to date has been "play dead." It took 2 months to accomplish "play dead." I'd have her lie down (she's good at that), then, I'd move a treat in front of her, over her side and around to her back. I gave her time to think about it. She wanted the treat, but wouldn't roll over onto her side. If she didn't do it, I gently rolled her onto her side and said "Play dead!" and treated her.

We worked on this once every morning with 2 attempts. Two weeks ago she finally did it on her own. Why is this important? Because we were working on something together. It was her special time to think, get "alone" attention and to feel accomplished. I never said no to her, just encouraged her with treats, my voice and belly rubs.

As close as we are, training KT to do tricks makes us even closer. Next we will learn "roll over" (this will be easier).