Tricks
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      Selfie

      This trick will teach your dog to have a picture with you

      Selfie

      Selfie

      Introduction

      Taking a selfie with your dog is a great way to capture the special bond you share. It can also be a fun and challenging trick to teach your dog.

      Things you may need:

      • A camera with a self-timer
      • A treat or toy
      • A lot of patience!

      Common Misconceptions

      • Misconception: You need to use aversive methods, such as punishment, to teach your dog to take a selfie.
      • Fact: You can teach your dog to take a selfie using positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise.
      • Misconception: Once your dog knows the "selfie" command, they will always pose for pictures when you ask them to.
      • Fact: Even dogs who know the "selfie" command may sometimes not want to pose for pictures. This is especially true if they are not feeling well or if there is something more interesting going on in the environment.

      Steps to Address

      Teaching Phase

      1. Lure your dog behind you and ask him to sit. As he continues to sit behind you, mark and reward.
      2. Once your dog is sitting behind you, to get both of his paws on your shoulders, lure him by your head. If your dog puts both paws on one shoulder, try luring him to the opposite side so he can put both paws on both shoulders.
      3. Repeat the steps above to build up the duration that your dog can stand with his paws on your shoulders.

      Reinforcing Phase

      1. Repeat the steps above from various locations and distances away from your dog's cot until he can reliably go to the cot on command.
      2. If your dog is having challenges putting both paws on both shoulders from a distance, try the following:
        • Have your dog stay next to you in a "Sit" position.
        • Take a treat to your dog's shoulders and place it there.
        • Return your attention to your dog and deliver the "selfie" command.
        • Each success should be marked and rewarded.

      Proofing Phase

      1. Once your dog is successfully placing both paws on both shoulders 80-90% of the time with minimal reinforcement or lures, you can start giving a verbal cue "selfie" just before he's about to place his paws on your shoulders then mark and reward once both paws are on your shoulders.
      2. Start practicing "selfie" around other environments with more energy and distraction.

      Maintenance Phase

      1. Consistently practice selfie in every obedience session, reinforcing variably over time upon completions.
      2. 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 to take a selfie:

      • Case Study 1: A golden retriever named Buddy was taught to take a selfie by his owner. Buddy's owner started by teaching him the "sit" and "stay" commands and then gradually introduced the "selfie" command. Buddy eventually learned to take a selfie on command, even in different environments and with different distractions.
      • Case Study 2: A German shepherd named Daisy was taught to take a selfie by her trainer. Daisy's trainer used positive reinforcement methods to teach her the command. Daisy was very motivated by treats, so she quickly learned to take a selfie on command.
      • Case Study 3: A chihuahua named Taco was taught to take a selfie by his owner. Taco's owner started by teaching him the "sit" and "stay" commands and then gradually introduced the "selfie" command. Taco was a little bit more challenging to train than the other dogs, but with patience and consistency, he eventually learned to take a selfie on command.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      Here are a few tips for pet parents who are trying to teach their dogs to take a selfie:

      • Be patient and consistent with your training. It may take some time for your dog to learn how to do this trick.
      • Don't force your dog to take a selfie. If they are not willing to do it, take a break and try again later.
      • Use positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, to reward your dog for good behavior.
      • Practice the trick in different environments and with different distractions.

      Conclusion

      Teaching your dog to take a selfie can be a fun and challenging trick to teach. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to take a selfie on command.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: How long does it take to teach a dog to take a selfie?
        A: It depends on the individual dog. Some dogs may learn the trick in a few weeks, while others may take months or even years.
      • Q: What if my dog doesn't want to take a selfie?
        A: If your dog doesn't want to take a selfie, take a break and try again later. You can also try making the experience more fun for them by using a favorite toy or treat.