Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tibby's Tricky Tuesday!

Thanks so much for your thoughts and kind words on Owner Girl's Grandma's passing. It makes us feel a little better knowing we have such great friends!

Now we will return to our regularly scheduled programming and that means...
Tibby's Tricky Tuesday!
Today I will teach you a trick that is very useful in photo shoots!

WATCH ME(Owner Girl didn't get a very good picture
but at least I was doing my part: looking cute for the camera!)

Here's what your owner should do:

1. First and foremost, get some super duper delicious treats!

2. Have your dog sit, hold a treat in your hand around your chest or shoulder level.

3. Most dogs will probably be staring at the treat but if not try to draw your dog's attention to it.

4. Once she is focused on the treat, move it up to your eye level. When your dog looks at you, give her the treat!

5. At first, use the command "watch me" right when your dog looks at you. Once she starts to catch on you can say it before moving the treat to your eyes.

6. When your dog is getting the hang of it, try starting the treat in a few different spots (at arms length, at floor, etc) You can also try using other things to distract your dog so that she learns she should look at you regardless of what has her attention at the moment.

7. As your dog improves at this trick, you can phase out the treats.

This is a great trick because it not only helps you get your dogs attention, it also teaches her to focus on you. If your dog seems reluctant to look at you, don't push it. Some dogs can feel threatened or scared by eye contact. These are just the steps that worked for me! If they don't seem to be working on your dog, there are many professionals out there that can help you find the best way for your dog!

Good luck and happy training!

13 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

PHASE OUT THE TREATS?

I don't think so!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

-The Mullin Clan's Mommy- said...

We are so sorry over the passing of yur Owner Girl's Grandma! That wuz a wonderful tribute to her in yur posting below.

-da boys, Cosmos & Juneau-

Raising Addie said...

Yeah... I remember watch me. Mom starting training me on that one. But she better keep making with the treats. What does passing out mean?

BOL

Kisses
Addie

Lorenza said...

Hi, Tibby!
I am going to tell my mom about this.
I don't have a problem looking at my mom when she takes pictures of me but she would like me to have a happy face not a face that says "I don't like this"! Ha!
Kisses and hugs
Lorenza

Bae Bae said...

You sure look very cute in that photo Tibby. Merry xmas to you

~ Bae

Wei Qian said...

Hello Tibby,

I'm here wishing you a early merry christmas! :]

Best regards

Abby said...

Hi, Tibby...

Thanks for the tip...I really have fun not looking at the camera...But, I like to get good pictures to show you guys, too...
So...I'll try to cooperate...

Me & my Mom wish you a Merry Christmas...

Abby xxxooo

Anonymous said...

Hi Tibby! I'm so excited about all the Christmas stuff that's going on, I don't think I can concentrate on the treat, let alone watching my mom. Too bad your trick wasn't teaching me to jump up and down!

Merry Christmas!
Joey

Thor and Jack said...

Tibby
My family and I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!

xoxo
Thor

The Musketeers said...

We wish you a Merry Christmas ,
We wish you a Merry Christmas ,
We wish you a Merry Christmas ,
& A HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

xoxo ,
Four Musketeers & Family
Lady , Zena , Cody & Joyce

the many Bs said...

hi Tibby, we like that idea, but not of phasing out the treats. we don't work for nothin' and we are almost professional models, you know. hee hee! just kidding, we pose all the time, at least that's what our mom says.

woofs.

the Corgi Girls said...

We LOVE that picture! Too cute, happy howlidays!

;o)
M & I

Anonymous said...

My mom says she is going to try this. You are so cute in the picture!

Woof!
Sophy