Your dog stands between your legs and rests his front paws on your feet in this trick.
Introduction
The footsies trick is a fun and adorable trick that can be taught to most dogs. It is a great way to get your dog some exercise and mental stimulation, and it can also be a bonding experience for you and your furry friend.
Common Misconceptions
Some people think that the footsies trick is difficult to teach. This is not necessarily true. With patience and consistency, most dogs can learn this trick. However, it is important to start with the right steps and to be patient with your dog.
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase
- The goal of the teaching phase is to get your dog to understand the concept of standing between your legs and putting their front paws on your feet.
- Have your dog sit in front of you and lure him behind you and in between your legs.
- Try walking forwards and backwards with your dog to get him used to being in this position. As he follows you, mark and praise him.
- Once your dog is comfortable being in this position, turn your feet inward while he is in between your legs. When his front paws make any touch with your feet, mark and treat him.
- Repeat step 3 until your dog is consistently putting their front paws on your feet.
Reinforcing Phase
- Once your dog is consistently putting their front paws on your feet, you can start phasing out the treat. Instead, just give the verbal cue "footsies" and then help your dog put their front paws on your feet.
- Start rocking side to side to add some movement before taking a step forward.
- Once your dog is able to stay on your feet while rocking side to side, start to move forwards and backwards. Mark and reward if he stays on your feet.
Proofing Phase
- Once your dog is successfully doing the steps above 80-90% of the time with minimal reinforcement or lures, you can start practicing "footsies" around other environments with more energy and distraction.
- Try practicing in different rooms in your house, or even in the backyard.
- Once your dog is comfortable doing footsies in different environments, you can start adding distractions. Try practicing while there are other people or animals around, or while there is noise or activity going on.
Maintenance Phase
- Consistently practice footsies in every obedience session, reinforcing variably over time upon completions. Apply corrections if the dog does not respond appropriately after one command.
Case Studies
Here are a few case studies of dogs who have learned the footsies trick:
- A golden retriever named Buddy learned to do the footsies trick in just a few weeks. His owner said that the key was to be patient and consistent with the training.
- A border collie named Daisy learned to do the footsies trick in a few months. Her owner said that the trick was to start with very short training sessions and gradually increase the length of the sessions.
- A Jack Russell terrier named Scamp learned to do the footsies trick in a year. His owner said that the most important thing was to make the training fun and enjoyable for the dog.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
Here are a few tips for pet parents who are teaching their dogs the footsies trick:
- Start with short training sessions. Don't try to teach your dog too much at once.
- Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your dog to learn this trick, but with patience and persistence, they will eventually get it!
- Make it fun! The more your dog enjoys the training, the more likely they are to succeed.
- Be sure to praise and reward your dog for their efforts, even if they don't get it perfect right away.
- Don't force your dog into footsies. If they are not comfortable, they will not be able to do it properly.
Conclusion
The footsies trick is a fun and adorable trick that can be taught to most dogs. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog this impressive trick.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What age should my dog be to start learning the footsies trick?
A: There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on the individual dog. However, most experts recommend starting training when your dog is at least 6 months old.
- Q: What kind of dog is best for learning the footsies trick?
A: Most dogs can learn the footsies trick, but some dogs are better suited for it than others. Dogs that are good at following directions and are motivated by treats are typically better at learning this trick.
- Q: How long does it take to teach a dog the footsies trick?
A: It can take some dogs several weeks or even months to learn the footsies trick. It is important to be patient and consistent with your training.
- Q: What are some of the risks associated with teaching a dog the footsies trick?
A: There are no major risks associated with teaching a dog the footsies trick