A while back I tried to teach Eko the “bow” command. I watched a few different training videos but my sessions with Eko always ended up leaving him confused and leaving me frustrated. I did not properly convey the goal of our training game to Eko so he rightly was unsure of what I wanted him to do.
However, I recently realized that Eko bows all the time on his own. He does it when he stretches and he also does it when initiating playtime. So I stopped trying to teach Eko what I wanted and instead started rewarding him whenever he unknowingly did what I wanted.
We started with stretching. When I knew Eko would stretch I jumped out of my chair, stood in front of him with my palms facing down and then gave him praise and treats
At first Eko had no idea what was going on but he was happy to take the treats from me. He caught on quickly though and started to come over to me to see if he could get treats by stretching out. Eko established this positive relationship on his own and after that it was a simple matter of calibration.
Tentative bowing earned tiny treats and encouragement
A full “down” earned a reassuring tone but no treats or encouragement.
Little Goldilocks Eko knew he had to find just the right “bow” position to get those treats
And he nailed it! I went wild and gave Eko a whole bunch of training treats. He knew he had figured it out
Well done, Eko. Take a bow. And a treat, of course
Eko had the answer the whole time – as usual, I was the problem! This experience was a fun way for me to learn about a different approach to training. Now it’s time to see if I can think of anything else Eko already does that I can claim credit for teaching him.
What a GREAT idea! I’m going to try that!
How cool is this? Now you both are ready for a meet and great with HRM The Queen!
since you know Eko likes your sandals – can you get him to fetch them for you? Let me know how that goes – i’d love my dogs to fetch my slippers but they just want to eat them
Way to go Eko! We have been epically failing with bow down, will definitely be trying to catch the stretch!
Haha!! Great story and a cute “animated GIF”? Is that what its called?
How cute! Our hooman has a friend with a dachshund and he is so little and close to the ground you have to bend down to see if he is actually bowing! It’s really cute.
Well done Eko, you have finally trained your hooman to give you treats for doing something you would anyway! Whee are so proud of you! ^_^
xxxx
He is so smart and such a good performer! Love it!
That is the best way. Find what works for yu guys. I used to watch training videos as well till I realized I could just wait for him to naturally do it and then work fromt here! xoxo to Eko!
What a great idea. Now if Cupcake would only roll over on her own, I can finally teach her that…!
LOL Thanks for the smile this morning.
That’s lovely!
oh Eko you are so clever 🙂
Great training Eko! Pretty easy to get treats out of Will, eh?