We are often asked, “How many jumps should I start?” You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting point is four jumps. This is the minimum number of hops is recommended.

You can teach a variety of skills, drills and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can set up a “box” with their jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps. You can teach your dog jumping left and right. You may be out of the box and send your dog or you can drive from inside the box. The jumps can be configured in a horizontal line, so you can practice serpentines and threadles.

Go a step further and get eight jumps. Now you can create two boxes with one introductory jump. Now that has increased its exercises you can practice with your dog. Their networks jump can be recommended size and the number of jumps. You can also set the jumps in a circle with jump bars perpendicular to the circle or the circumference of the circle. This pattern also allows you to train a variety of skills.

Your next consideration is a double jump and triple jump. You could set two or three jumps pushed together to make your expanded jump, but double and triple jump in their course work is really valuable to practice. We have seen many dogs have a clean course and the last obstacle, a triple and the dog is not ready for it, and bang, down comes the bar.

You really can be ahead of the rest and has two sets of eight jumps. This is the latest in training because they can keep a jump grip at all times that is separate from your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work. And when you include the doubles and triples, they can actually practice all the skills needed to jump and you exercise the “Q”.

Have you ever thought about buying a dog that is not only a partner but is trendy as well? Unless you’ve been living under a rock is likely to have heard rage “designer dog” new.

You may have wondered what the problem was with such new mixes. What about cute names and button noses that are driving hordes of people to the nearest designer breeder dog?

Many people object to the deliberate crossbreeding of dogs. Especially since it seems to have become a scam by big money.

The Schnoodle, Labradoodle and Maltipoo are just some of the cute new hybrids that are massively popular with those looking for a special type of dog that has been intentionally bred to suit your lifestyle, and of course the bag.
These fashionable mixes have been around for a while. Even famous Corgi Queen Elizabeth Dachshund trailer with his sister, who is in the Dorgi.

Most crossover occurs by chance and these mixed breed dogs should not be confused with deliberately bred hybrid. To call himself a “designer dog” parents of the dogs must be purebred and of different races.

Within the various mixed dog populations there is a relatively large group of genes. These dogs take qualities from generations and generations of crosses of others before them. This is said to be good for the dog.

One of the problems with purebred dogs is that the gene pool is relatively small. While several attributes sought has been improved, so some health problems. At least with purebred dogs there is a long and well documented list of what I expected. For each aspect of your dog’s health, temperament and personality that many people have owned these dogs. Many families have been breeding throughout their generation and generations to know much about the breeds they specialize

It’s a very complicated science. Maybe the breeders want to improve the species. And one can argue that the taking of the species most suitable for modern human life (by fitting comfortably in a handbag) is best for the future of the species. By creating a kind of scientific selection breeders are making stronger dogs more full of vitality than any of the known races.

Only time will tell if these new breeds will become officially recognized. New generations must pass through the ring long before they are officially recognized.

Although many of these dogs have a large following and there is much resistance from the field of purebred dogs.
Poo-dogs and stray dogs could be fashion designer now, but that does not seem so wonderful when their eyes out of their sockets!

It takes a long time to create a breed of dog that is similar throughout different generations. The experience, time and investment required by designer dog breeders is what those who are good at what they call their life’s work.

Beware of backyard breeders and examine the person who buys your dog design. You are the safest choice will always be a purebred. Breeders have spent many years perfecting the art and science of dogs.

And, of course, a good dog is a reflection of the love and care that was given from birth. Rather spend some time selecting loving and dedicated breeders to buy a newspaper or website.

Often these designer doggies come from people whose main goal is profit. The harsh reality is that the quality of breeding, rearing reliably requires an investment much more than it produces profits. Very few breeders (who have a proven track record and good reputation) make a large profit from what they do.

If you are asking for a puppy design that is costing thousands you might want to think about what’s going to get for your money

Man’s best friend is enjoying a higher profile when it comes to tying the knot. Although the trend gained steam in the easy-going West, wedding planners all over the country are seeing dogs take on key roles in the ceremony. In short, well-trained tail-waggers are showing up as ring bearers, groomsmen, maids of honor, and even assuming the role that once belonged to good ol’ Dad — giving away the bride. Dogs have become so common in weddings, many professional planners know where to book a dog handler for the day without blinking an eye. (After all, he’ll need water, protection from crowds — and a few trips to the loo.)

Gone to the Dogs?

What fuels the trend to add Fido to the ceremony? Opinions differ, but one is the way that weddings are changing: once they were a purely formal affair, with formal language and dress that hardly seemed to relate to our real lives at all. But many of today’s couples are trying to bring more of the things we really say into the ceremony — sometimes by writing our own vows — and more of how we really look, which sometimes means bypassing the traditional white dress. And for many of us, our patient pooch is a lot like a child or a two-footed companion. He might have his own furniture, his own shelf full of tasty organic treats, his own set of smart fashion accessories. And whither we go, he goes … just like any other family member. No wonder many couples don’t think twice about bringing him to the altar.

But not every dog makes the perfect bridal party member. No matter how much you might love the mischievous antics of your wayward canine at home, it’s only the well-trained, responsive dog that should share your big day. If your dog comes, sits, is good with groups, and can be relied on to hold a “down-stay,” he’s a candidate. If not, leave him home, or invest in some obedience classes straight away.

You’ll also want to clear your pup’s presence with the powers-that-be well ahead of time. Yes, it’s a little surprising, but with the rising popularity of dogs in weddings, it’s a fair bet that your officiant will give you the green light. Many banquet halls at hotels will also say “yes” to a well-behaved pet on your big day, provided you have a handler.

Dressed for Success

Once you’ve got the go-ahead, the greatest fun in including your dog is dressing him up. Popular choices for pint-sized wedding apparel include adorable jeweled collars, miniature tuxes or bridal gown, and crystal-encrusted combs and barrettes. Diane Meier Delaney of “The New American Wedding” draped her pooch in an ornate floral arrangement that literally took her guests’ breath away (but discuss this option thoughtfully with your florist — avoid poisonous flowers and steer clear of scratchy wires).

Now that you’ve ordered his attire and your dog’s all set to work hard at your wedding, why not plan to treat him? You can purchase adorable cakes and cupcakes designed for occasions that are perfectly safe for your dog: delicious-looking confections made with wheat flour or oatmeal and bananas or honey, dripping with carob and studded with candy dog bones. Or you can make your own — just search the net for some tested, dog-safe recipes that avoid excess fat and sugar, and pass on canine no-nos like chocolate, grapes, avocados, coffee and certain nuts.

Separation anxiety in dogs is characterized by destructive behavior when the dog is left alone. This behavior can include barking, howling, destroying household items, digging, chewing and sometimes urination. Some dogs will literally go into a panic and dig at a door or a window to try and escape and find their owner. Typically this is set off when the owner goes to leave the dog at home, and can even start when the dog senses or see small signs that the owner is leaving the house. It is common for a dog with separation anxiety will also respond to the owners return with hyperactivity after a period of being left alone. Some dogs will even follow there owner from room to room to make sure they will be not be left alone.

Some owners find using a distraction for there pet while they go out is a good way to releive some anziety, this can include leaving the radio or tv on so the dog can hear humans talking, or leaving them with a toy or a treat ball to give them something else to focus on. With more severe separation anxiety problems it can be helpful to change the leaving routine so that the dog is unaware of your intention to leave. Normally a dog will notice small signs like the owner putting on the shoes or grabbing the keys and in a dog with separation anxiety this can translate into panic. Try making leaving the house unexpected to your dog by putting your shoes outside or leaving without doing your leaving routine. Then after waiting 10 minutes outside return to the house. This begins to desensitize the dog to the fear of separation. It is good to make sure that leaving the house and arriving is always a calm event, if the owner responds to the dog in an excited way it increases the excitement of the dog.

Another strategy to desensitize a dog with separation anziety is to show the dog repeatedly that the leaving routine doesn’t need to result in a panic attack. The owner of the dog goes through the familiar leaving routine, grabbing keys, putting on shoes and picking up a bag to leave then sitting down again. After repeating this exercise a number of times, try going one step further and finish the leaving routine by opening the door and standing outside it for a minute but with the door open. These exercises need to be repeated over and over to desensitize the dog.

It is important to get a dog with separation anxiety comfortable with even short absenses, daily routines like getting the paper, result in a short absense and this can be used to make the dog feel that leaving will result in the owners return.

Once your dog can handle short absences (30 to 90 minutes), he’ll usually be able to handle longer intervals alone and you won’t have to repeat this process every time you are planning a longer absence. The hard part is at the beginning, but the job gets easier as you go along. Nevertheless, you must go slowly at first. How long it takes to condition your dog to being alone depends on the severity of his problem.

The first rule in taking care of your dog is:  When your dog is sick, take him to a veterinarian!  Use with caution advice of friends or people who are supposed to be “old, experienced dog breeders.”  Only a veterinarian is qualified to diagnose trouble and prescribe treatment.

However, it is your job to keep your dog from getting sick.  Let us assume you start with a puppy.  You should know something about “shots”, worm medications, flea powders, and poisons.

While a puppy is nursing, it may receive protective antibodies in its mother’s milk.  As soon as the puppy is weaned, this natural immunity will begin to disappear and may be gone within two weeks.  Many puppies are susceptible to diseases at this young age.  Your veterinarian may prescribe a vaccination program beginning at 6 to 8 weeks, so it is important that you contact him/her immediately.

Distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis are common and serious diseases which destroy many pets each year.  Rabies is also a threat which should be guarded against in rural as well as metropolitan areas because of the possible chance of exposure to bites of  infected animals.

The only satisfactory method of protecting your dog is by vaccination.  Your veterinarian may want to give your puppy immediate temporary protection at the time of purchase or adoption with a “puppy shot” of antiserum which contains antibodies against distemper, hepatitis and leptospirosis as well as some of the other common diseases.  Vaccinations provide long term immunity and most puppies will be started on a series of vaccinations on their first visit to the veterinarian.  Booster vaccines are then advisable on a regular basis for adult dogs, to maintain his overall health for years to come.

Thousands of years ago, humans began the process of domesticating the dog and shaping what “being a dog” really means. Through careful selection and breeding, an astonishing variety of dog breeds have been created. Desirable traits have been selected for in various breeds that are of a benefit to humans. There are some traits, however, that quickly become undesirable when expressed too frequently. Barking is an example of a natural behaviour that is encouraged in terms of guarding behaviour, but becomes a problem when the behaviour is produced in excess. A recent health insurance investigation revealed that the sound of a continually barking dog was cited as the most disruptive and stress inducing noise for humans.

Why Do Dogs Bark?

Barking, in addition to whining, howling and growling, is a dog’s natural means of communication. Barking is characterized by a series of short, sharp sounds, that tend to vary little in tone or pitch. A dog’s bark can signify territorial protection, exertion of dominance, or expression of some need. Typically, barking is “a means of communication triggered by a state of excitement.” Being a natural trait, barking is not considered a behavioural problem, until it is produced in excess.

Causes of Problem Barking

Problem barking has a variety of origins. Genetics does influence a dog’s tendency to bark. Certain breeds belonging to the terrier family are prone to more frequent barking than breeds such as Greyhounds or Basenjis. Generally, however, excess barking can exist in any breed of dog. The key to solving the problem of inappropriate barking is to determine what external stimulus is triggering the behaviour. Improper confinement can be a major cause of problem barkers.

Improper confinement can include leaving a dog alone in a locked room, or in a dog crate (a tool used for housebreaking and other behavioural modifications). Other improper confinements can include restricted tethering outdoors, or even an enclosed yard without proper shelter from the elements. Such confinement can cause frustration in a dog and cause it to bark excessively. Closely associated with improper confinement is lack of exercise as a cause of excess barking. When a dog is not provided with adequate exercise, pent-up energy is released through barking.

Environmental sounds can also trigger barking. These sounds include such things as the barking of other dogs, the sound of passing cars, strange voices, thunder, and mechanical noises such as the ringing of the phone. Noises can initiate barking at different times of the day. A dog may not bark at accustomed sounds during the day, but at night may be incited to a volley of barking, much to the chagrin of the neighbours, by the slightest of noises. Other causes of problem barking can include separation anxiety, or the temperament of the dog: an over-aggressive animal may bark at the smallest provocation. A strongly territorial dog may bark at any stranger, invited or uninvited, entering your property.

Solutions to Excess Barking

Excess barking can be a serious behavioural problem and can mean the termination of the relationship with your dog or the dog itself if left untreated. The following text includes information on how to solve your dog’s problem barking as recommended by the veterinary profession.

The first step in solving problem barking, is to determine if your dog is barking in response to inadequate shelter or improper confinement. If this is the case, the dog must be provided with a comfortable amount of space or supplied with a doghouse if outdoor shelter is inadequate. Increasing the amount of exercise given to your dog may also help.

In the event your dog is barking in response to environmental noises, or the barking is simply due to its temperament, behavioural modification methods should be used. These methods can include reconditioning using a verbal reprimand such as “No!”, and leash correction. It should be noted however, that you should never yell at your dog, as loud noises may encourage your pet to bark more. Also keep in mind the punishment should be applied while the barking is occurring, in order for your dog to associate the unwanted behaviour with the punishment. Also remember to reward your dog when it stops barking.

Indirect intervention methods can also be applied. These techniques can range from spraying your dog with water while it is barking, to using noise producing devices such as “Dog Stop” or “Barker Breaker,” which emit loud or high frequency sounds that interrupt and deter barking. These devices can be controlled by the owner, or triggered by the dog’s barking. In the event your dog is resistant to these behavioural modifications, more drastic action can be taken in the form of bark activated shock collars. This device is particularly effective when barking occurs in the owner’s absence. Shock collars, however, are recommended only after other control measures have failed. A final resort, when all other behavioural modification methods have been tried, and particularly when the dog’s life is in question, is a vocal cordectomy (debarking). This surgical procedure involves removal of all or part of the vocal cords.

The key to solving the problem of excess barking in your dog begins with an understanding of what is causing this behaviour. Once you have determined a cause, you have a greater chance of choosing the most effective solution (e.g., more exercise) or behavioural modification. Modifying such an instinctive and natural behaviour as barking can be difficult, and may require considerable patience, time, and hard work. Solutions, however, are possible, and worth the effort.

Training your dog will help him to be a more obedient animal.  It will also help him to be a better pet.  The time that you spend investing in this training will reward you for many years.  Your pet will be closer to you and will respect you even more. And, it doesn’t take away for his or her personality.  But, what is does is sets the rules, the boundaries which help an animal to feel secure.

Your pet is communicating with you.  They want attention and will do whatever it takes to get it.  Believe it or not, you may actually be unconsciously telling your dog to behave badly if you do not provide them with the attention that they are in need of.  If you yell at your pet for doing something wrong, for example, having an accident on the rug, you are providing attention to it and therefore, they may keep doing it to get that attention.  You are excited which makes them excited.  Instead, try ignoring your pet when they do something wrong like this.

On the flip side, then, positive reinforcement works well on many pets.  Reward your dog for good behavior.  What can you do?  Things like giving them a treat or just verbally praising them works well.  Or, take some time to pay extra attention to them.  This does several things for your pet.  The pet will realize that good behavior, whatever it is, will get them this type of reward.  And, it will help to promote you as the leader.  You need to remain the leader of the pack, even if your dog tries to challenge this.  For those who need to learn this, and even those animals that are less assertive, obedience training can be quite beneficial. When the dog uses his or her instincts to follow a leader, the pet will feel more secure and behave properly as well.

Positive reinforcement type training can work in a number of different ways.  For example, the capture reward process where the pet is rewarded when the good behavior is displayed is commonly used to gently coax the animal into giving you the desired reaction.  The professionals will likely tell you that it is best to use several senses for training.  The use of verbal communication and the use of hand signals are necessary.  Things like sit, come, go, stay are all verbal signals.  You need a release signal as well which will inform the animal that she has done a good job.  You would give the release signal and then her reward right afterwards.  This links the signal with the fact that the animal has done something good.

Now, who is going to teach your pet and how will they do it?  First of all, you can do most of the training yourself.  You can tap into the resources that you find at the library and bookstores on training the dog in how to type books.  You can get quite a bit of the information you need to do it right on the web as well.  If you do want to find additional help, seek that of a professional in your area.  You can find them through pet supply chains or your local humane societies.  Classes can be a great way to help your dog to socialize and to educate yourself.  You can find local personal trainers for your dog as well.  These individuals will come to you and work with your animal in a custom way to give them the support that they need.

Origin
Do you know that the adorable little puppy you bought home last week could possibly be a descendent of a wolf? It may well be true! In fact, many theorists believe that wolf is the direct ancestors of domestic dog. Nevertheless, there are just as many who argue that it seems impossible to have over 400 varieties of dogs descended from just one species.

-Anatomically, the make-up molecules of the wolf over the centuries have remained unchanged, and research revealed that the DNA of wolf and dog are almost identical! The general pattern of dogs’ skeleton is still very similar to those of wolves in terms of their components, but significant changes can be detected, most obviously in the shape of the skull and the length of some of the limb bones.

The divergence in physical appearance could possibly be the result of mutation or even during cross breeding. Today, breeds such as the Alaskan malamute still retain a strong affinity with the wolf, in terms of their facial appearance and underlying skull structure.

-Behaviorally, both dogs and wolves bury bones; turn in circles before settling down for sleep; howl at the moon and frequently leg lift to mark territory. Both gestation periods is 63 days each, and the birth and development of their young is also almost identical

-Structurally, dogs and wolves are also extremely similar. Both also live in a pack-like hierarchal system where they are comfortable with a top dog, or Alpha role model. With regards to domestic dogs, Alpha (leader) role should belong to the owner they live with.

Whatever the theory, it isn’t difficult to spot the similarities between dog and wolf. Although, in some cases, the appearance of the domestic dog has diverged significantly from that of its “suspected” ancestor, most dogs still retain many of the traits of their ancestor.

Man’s Best Friend
Early cave drawings show us that wild dogs and wolfs were with humans even in prehistoric time. One of the earliest documentations of man and canine was noted more than 12 000 years ago on an ancient site in Egypt when the fossilized remains of a man and a small puppy were found in a grave in hugging position. Although, it is doubtful whether the puppy was that of dog or wolf, this is not an important issue.

Today, Scientists recognize and agree that the process of domestication of the dog has existed for 14 000 years, however they are not in agreement as to how domestication occurred:

-Some believe that man adopted offspring of the wolf and through natural selection chose to keep those that were less aggressive and that craftily begged for food.

-Others believe that wolves adapted themselves in following man because they could get a good meal.

Whatever the case, it’s hard to distinguish if wolves just tagged along or if they were invited. From ancient time till today, man and dog are inseparable who lived together and changed together.

In earlier times man was only concerned with gathering food. However, over time he began to become involved in hunting for food, turning his canine to “friend” as he helped immensely in hunting activities, this occurred some 12 000 years ago.

Later, man realized that not every animal should be his prey, but that some should be kept alive in order to domesticate for his purposes. At that time, domesticated animals needed to be protected from predators, this responsibility was taken up by dog becoming the guard dog, and this new role occurred some 7000-9000 years ago.

Dog Breeding
Dog breeding began when humans started to emphasize certain characteristics in dogs. Long-legged dogs, for instance, could be used to chase prey, heavy-set animals made better guard dogs. Several types of dogs emerged at the time of the New Kingdom in Egypt (circa 1570 B.C.) and drawings began to show dogs with drop ears, curly tails, straight tails and many coat patterns. Soon people all over the world were breeding and using dogs to suit their own needs.

The Greeks and Romans were training heavy-set dogs for sports, the Far East saw the toy dogs as prized possessions and the Europeans were developing sporting dogs for particular uses – smaller dogs to go to ground, stronger dogs to hunt. Dogs started to be grouped by appearance or function for convenience and were then even further divided into workers, herders and sports.

By 15th & 16th centuries, dogs began to gain popularity, not only for being functional, but by becoming a popular pet. The commercial importance of dogs and dog breeding escalated quickly as they became fashionable. During the 19th century, the number of new breeds grew quickly, with the first dog shows beginning in the 1850s.

Today, although there are roughly over 350 different breeds of dogs acknowledged by the FCI classification, all of them have one common quality that follows them throughout history and that is their unconditional love and loyal relationship to man.

This is without a doubt the oldest friendship recorded in history!

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

As you know, dogs have a keen curiosity. Take a look at your home from your puppy’s perspective and you’ll likely find all sorts of interesting items to check out. You may not realize that dogs first sniff, then mouth things to inspect them. So it’s especially important that you keep the following out of your dog’s reach:

• insect traps
• phone and electric cords
• ashtrays and cigarettes
• open doors and windows
• rubber bands
• housecleaning chemicals
• candles
• Christmas tree ornaments
• uncovered trash cans
• medications
• foodstuffs like: chocolate and grapes
• plastic bags
• batteries
• anti-freeze
• valuable items, like jewelry, photos, and books

Don’t forget the great outdoors when inspecting your dog’s area. Dogs, especially puppies, find plants fun playthings. They love to dig in the dirt or pull branches off shrubs. Because of this, make sure the plants in and around your home aren’t a health risk to your dog. The following common house and garden plants are toxic to dogs:

• English ivy
• dieffenbachia
• mistletoe
• philodendron
• elephant ear
• caladium
• boxwood
• holly berry
• azaleas
• chinaberry trees
• oleander
• wisteria
• hydrangea

Other ways to protect your pup include keeping him or her safely confined to your home. Wandering dogs are more likely to be injured by vehicles or meet up with unkind people.

Make sure your yard is fenced and the fencing is tall enough and strong enough to keep your dog from roaming. Many dogs try to dig out under the fence, so it’s crucial you regularly check for gaps around the fence perimeter. Teach everyone in your family to carefully close doors and keep gates latched.

Additionally, it’s important that your pet wears a collar with an identification tag at all times, in the event he or she gets lost. In fact, most cities require that all dogs wear a collar and tag. This way, it’s more likely your dog will be returned home safely to you. You may also consider microchipping, where a small silicone chip containing your contact information is painlessly inserted under the dog’s skin. Most animal shelters and veterinarians automatically scan lost pets in search of a microchip. However, an identification tag will be useful if your puppy is found by an average citizen.

If you reside in an area prone to natural disasters, keep an emergency pet supply kit handy. Include a week’s worth of food and water, as well as any medication your dog needs. Don’t forget a photo of your pet too, in case you’re separated at any time.

Training your dog tricks can be difficult and frustrating if you cannot achieve the results you want. However, unlike house and potty training which are vital education for any dog, I feel that the end-results is not the most significant element in trick training, to me the most important part is that both of you enjoy the training process and have fun along the way.

Listed in this article are 3 interesting dog tricks that you can teach your dog:

Dead Dog
Place a dog on his back or side or in any position you may select, threaten him with your forefinger and say “dead” or any word that you may select to associate with this trick, use both hands to help him stay in that position when you first begin training. Praise him and offer treats if he can stay in position.

With regular practice, he should be able to stay in the position in which you have placed him, it is only a question of practice when you can call to him and say “dead,” and he will lie down and stretch out in the position that you have accustomed him to taking.

Sneezing
With careful and patient training, most dogs can be taught to sneeze. This is accomplished by tickling the nose – with a feather. At first he will snap at it, and under normal circumstances, most dogs will start to sneeze; he will not like the feather very well and in course of time his imagination will foreshadow its effects and he will begin to sneeze as soon as it is pointed in close proximity to his nose. When he sneezes, use a command like “Sneeze”, to associate with this trick. As usual, praise and treat when he gets it right.

By repeating this operation at odd times the dog can be taught to sneeze very creditably when you point your finger at his nose and give him the word “Sneeze,” and finally will do so simply at command.

This trick can be fun and entertaining but not easily achievable especially with dominant dogs. If your dog get irritated and turn aggressive toward you when you tickle his nose, you should stop training immediately.

Bringing His Tail
During play, dogs frequently grasp their tails in their mouths. If you haven’t notice, if you take hold of your dog tail while playing with him, he will probably seize your hand, but if you skillfully slip his tail in his mouth he will grab it – Interesting!

These facts suggested the trick of “Bringing his tail.” It is a rather difficult feat to accomplish, but it is possible for any amateur to teach it to his dog providing the dog has a long enough tail and the trainer sufficient patience – Sorry to dog owners with short tails!

Anyway, this trick is very amusing, for when the dog has his tail in his mouth he can only advance crab-fashion or sideways, with a tendency to go around in a circle without making much advance.

The first step in teaching this trick is to praise the dog when he first gets his tail in his mouth, and after he has held it for a few moments bid him to let go and reward him.

Should he give up his hold before you order him to do so, speak sharply to him and begin all over again. When he learns to hold his tail until ordered to relinquish it the first part of the trick has been taught, and you can begin to teach him to bring it to you. To do this, step back a few feet from the dog in the direction he can most easily advance, and call him.

If he releases his hold of his tail to come to you, ignore him and replace the tail in his mouth again, but when he comes without letting go he should be rewarded gradually increase the distance you require him to carry his tail, but this task is so difficult that he should not be asked to go more than ten or twelve feet.

In beginning the trick, when you place his tail in his mouth say “Bring me your tail,” so as to accustom him to the command. In time you will not have to place his tail in his mouth, but merely hold it for him to grasp, and after still further practice he will seize it at the word without your assisting him.

Enjoy training your dog new tricks, and most importantly enjoy the process and have a great deal of fun and laughter!