Thursday 16 April 2009

a dog focuses on her back legs

At one of our canine freestyle sessions we learned it's important for dogs to be aware of the movement of their hind legs, so I thought we'd practise that today. Here's how I set up a ladder in the backyard:



I put the table and chairs alongside so Penny might go back rather than sideways, but the first attempt didn't work. She just turned away from the ladder. But we persevered, with me clicking for any backwards movement to the ladder and in a susprisingly sort time she got it.



I completely forgot that I've been told not to keep saying 'back' as she goes!

I added a piece of timber on the left to stop her sneaking out through the legs of the chairs and then I had the bright idea of putting a treat behind her so she'd go back faster. Silly me! What right-thinking dog would back slowly towards a nice treat when she could turn around and go quickly?



So, back to the first method...

10 comments:

Molly the Airedale said...

What a smart girl you are, Penny, and such a quick learner! Great job!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

parlance said...

Maggie and Mitch, Penny says thanks!

i said...

Penny is such a clever girl! Keep up the good work!

Amber-Mae said...

For freestyle, I'm not sure but for Agility, yes! Dogs are tought this so that when they jump over hurdles & stuff, they will be aware of their back legs so that they don't knock a pole down or something like that.

Smoochies,
Solid Gold Dancer

Johann The Dog said...

We were working on a new trick the other day and I had no idea how much both JoJo and Gracie are not aware of their back feet. Thank you for posting this, we're gonna try using some jump poles for this, nice!!!

BTW - Nina Ottosson email us and let us know that her puzzles/games will be available in AUS later this year, check my blog for details, today's post, yeah!!!!!!

parlance said...

Happy, I agree! She's rather smart. (So says the doting mum!)

parlance said...

Amber-Mae, that's interesting. I guess it will help with the agility, then.

parlance said...

Johann, I might lay out some poles too. It'd be easier than the ladder, which is a bit of a bother to get out.

Racing right over to your blog now to see about the Nina Ottosson toys!!!

Anonymous said...

I am seriously impressed! I think my dogs would just hide under the bed if I asked them to do this.

parlance said...

Sally Forth, maybe they aren't as fond of snacks and treats as Penny is!