The SHAKE trick!

Foreword: A simple trick, but very cute nonetheless! At your command, Rover shakes his head, as if in disagreement! Combine with an almost unobservable hand signal and turn this into a cute party surprise. Rover answers your question with a definite no.

Directions: SHAKE can be taught using two methods. One being with water and the other with air. Take your pick. It is recommended not to use the water method on a water-shy Rover, for all Rover will do is run and hide from you!

Water Directions: Simply acquire a spray bottle with water in it. Call Rover over to you and have Rover sit. Say "Rover, SHAKE!" and give a gentle mist in the direction of Rovers face. Aim for the general face area.

Now Rover can have multiple reactions to this. At points some of my Rovers have tried to 'drink' the water, run away, hidden their eyes behind their paws (another trick possibility here!), and also actually shaken their heads. Adjust where you spray, aiming for the ears for the shaking of the head, and eyes for HIDE YOUR EYES.

Once Rover starts to shake on spray, simply repeat, saying SHAKE before you spray, giving Rover a chance to do it. Reward him every time he shakes his head and stop after a couple shake and sprays! After a while, you will not have to spray anymore, just have the bottle in your hand and say SHAKE. This will then progress to you only making a spraying motion with you hand and saying SHAKE.

Air Directions: I prefer using this method. Not only is it more convenient, it also prevents water from entering Rovers ears. Follow the water directions, but instead of using a spray bottle, just gently blow in the directions of Rover ear.

Back To Tricks

www.Bullwrinkle.com