Outstanding at Standing

This weekend, if the frigid weather does not keep me inside, I will have to get a picture of Roo doing his outstanding standing work. It has taken us a while, but Roo finally gets it when I say "Stand" and move away. Before I was able to just hang onto the lead rope and move backwards a few steps for about five seconds. We gradually increased that to 10 seconds and 15 seconds, then dropping the lead rope (you can't drop the lead rope because Roo wants to eat it).

Finally, we have progressed to no lead rope, the STAND command, backing up a few steps, then walking totally away. And he stands. No movement. Just watches you.

As of last night, I began to further complicate his life by adding as somewhat different task. Now I back up, turn, walk away and stop about 20 feet from him. Then I squat down and hold out my hand.

The funniest thing was that last night you could see his mind working as he tried to figure out what I wanted. He dropped his head first to the ground, and looked at me as if he was saying "Look, I know I'm supposed to STAND HERE, so what the heck do you want now?" Finally, he stepped tentatively toward me and I quietly said "Good Boy," and he stepped toward me some more, then finally walked all the way to my hand. At that point I jumped up and gave him high praise. We waited a bit then tried it again. This time he thought about it a little less, and walked toward me. Again high praise and "Good Boy."

I think Roo will be our trick pony (not that he will be a pony....LOLOL). Eventually I will progress to the point where I drop and he trots to me. We'll see how this goes. Right now he loves these games and I try to vary them with him. I want his repertoire of tricks to be substantial. Maybe we can go on the road show, and visit Vermont! LOLOL