Trick training Rupert

[pchela]

So, Rupert the Jardine's is a quick learner. He learned wave, turn around and recall in only a couple of sessions each. He seems eager to learn, unlike Pippin who just looks at me like I'm stupid. We've been practicing these three tricks for a little over a week now. What are some good things to teach him now?

Also, I have been trying to desensitize Pippin to the nail clippers by target training with them in my hand. It's not working. Any ideas on that? I have to be able to clip his nails without traumatizing him.

[Michael]

Rupert? Is this what it has come to?

I'd say to wait and give those tricks some more practice. Even if he learned the 3, it may need some more time to solidify them. If you add any more now, he may forget those early ones. After another week or two of practice I would suggest teaching fetch as it won't interfere with previously learned tricks. You can teach the shake head no trick after that.

[pchela]

And just what is wrong with Rupert? Hmmm? Is it my fault that Truman was taken? Rupert is cute and I will call him Ru which is cuter.

Any suggestions on the clipper desensitization?

I'll have to read up on your blog to find how to teach fetch but I'll wait a couple of weeks. I probably should find one of those peg boards that they can put shapes on as well. I assume that is an extension of fetch? The trick I'm most excited about is play dead but he does not naturally play on his back so I'm concerned that I won't be able to teach it.

[Michael]

Wait till I teach Truman to do it... you'll see But I bet it's easier to teach it to pippin first.

As for the nail clipper, see my harness training article and think of it in a similar manner. Also this means that after desensitization training is complete that you can just use it for clipping. To maintain it, you have to use the clipper in the non-harmful play/reward manner 50-90% of the time and as the mean nail clipping thing only on occasion.