DEAR PET TALK: I’m really glad the circus will not be using wild animals in their shows anymore. But at the same time, I want to teach my pet some tricks. Any suggestions?
— DOG AND CATS 4EVA
DEAR DOGS AND CATS 4EVA: I’m glad the circus made this decision as well. It’s stressful enough for wild animals to be out of a natural environment without being harassed by humans. Our species has its problems, but continued raised awareness of the sanctity of letting wildlife be is a hopeful sign.
Let’s start with dogs; they like to please the humans in their life. Dogs are more likely to “learn” tricks because of their multimillennial relationship with our species.
First — think small. Training should be sessions of no more than three to five minutes in a place with no distractions. Before tricks, do start with basic commands: “Sit,” (rump on floor), “Lie down” (front paws on floor, head above floor). You can teach the latter by having your pup watch your finger as you put it down on the floor while saying “Lie down.” (Treat training will also work — but work on getting your dog to follow your directions just with voice commands as soon as you can). With “give me paw,” or “paw,” do the following. Say “Paw,” and gently lift dog’s paw. Give him a treat. Do it again. Repeat several times. Dogs need time to have instructions installed on their hard drive, so to speak.
Cats are trickier. They may have natural behaviors which can “turn into” a trick with repetition. Spenser, our family cat (also a member of TheraPAWS, with Be PAWSitive Therapy Pets) is 13 years old. We adopted him when he was 12, and found that if we threw a sparkly ball on the floor, he would fetch and retrieve it. No other ball would do. We didn’t teach him, but that’s what he likes to do. But if you put a treat in your hand and close your fist he will “tap” your hand with his paw to get the treat. Cats can be very treat-motivated, and an easy trick is to hold a treat above your cat’s nose and slowly raise it so they rise up (briefly) on their hind legs. Cat treats range from two to four calories each, so break in half to reduce calorie intake.
Sally Cragin is the director of Be PAWSitive: Therapy Pets and Community Education. Visit on Facebook and text questions to: 978-320-1335, or email sallycragin@gmail.com.
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May 21, 2022 at 11:44PM
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Pet Talk: Not so stupid pet tricks - Sentinel & Enterprise
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