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December 17, 2013

When Pigs Fly

A number of people have asked about the popper treat I used in this video to teach Eko how to walk in his boots.     I picked up the poppers because all treats are not created equal.  The poppers fill an important niche in training in that they are
A number of people have asked about the popper treat I used in this video to teach Eko how to walk in his boots.  
  I picked up the poppers because all treats are not created equal.  The poppers fill an important niche in training in that they are small in size but high in reward value for Eko. Eko wouldn’t budge in his boots for his normal training treats and I didn’t want to use a dental chew or bone (other high value treats) because they take longer to eat and would interrupt training.  

C'mon, pop!

Eko with his eyes on the prize

For reinforcing commands Eko already knows, I prefer using his regular training treats as a baseline.  But for rewarding novel behavior (currently I’m working on the “wave” command) I find the poppers extremely effective.  When Eko gets one of those, he knows he really nailed it.  

Pops and pops

The poppers offer a fun way to practice the “leave it” command.  I love how intently Eko watches the treat (click image for full size gif)

If you want to check out the Beggin’ Party Poppers for yourself, they’re currently running a giveaway sweepstakes over at Pighead.com. I’m kind of jealous of all the dogs in the video over there who jump and catch the treat midair.  For some reason, if you toss a treat up to Eko he will let it hit him in the head rather than jump for it. Hm, speaking of which, I think I know the next trick I’m going to have to teach Eko!

Comments for When Pigs Fly

  1. PigLove says:

    Oh good piggy heaven…. now daddy is off to buy one of those contraptions for me. Dear Lord. Santa, if you are listening. Please deny dad’s credit card. That is all. XOXO – Bacon

  2. I tried not to laugh too (hard, but I’m strong) . This treats are fabulous! I’m sure we will have tons of fun with this poppers! Thanks for a super cute video and a good tip :o)

  3. Emmadog says:

    Sounds like it is kind of a clicker with treats. I like the idea, so I will have Mom head over there and check it out. Thanks for sharing and I can’t wait to see the wave!

  4. I love that popper thing, but I LOVE Eko in his boots even better! I was also paralyzed in my boots, but now I am afraid Mom will buy that popper thing and bust out the boots again….. GAH! Eko!!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  5. raisingdaisy says:

    Haha that’s exactly what Daisy would do! I think that’s actually pretty smart – why do an air somersault when Eko can just sit and wait for the treat to come to him? 🙂

  6. When you figure out how to get Eko to catch, let me know, Jack is about 50-50. He tries for it, b ut has very bad eye-mouth coordination.

  7. So cute and what a great idea. The hooman used a similar method to teach a doggy who didn’t want to walking wearing a coat to do that. The treat always wins!

    Nacho, Noah, Buddy & Basil
    xxxx

  8. We have the same boots for Kaya but they seem to rub on her dew claws, is that a problem for Eko or no? She also has very sensitive feet so might need to look into another brand. Would love your suggestions!

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