[delisa2850]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

We learned a few techniques in trick class, if anyone is interested in teaching this. First always start with food. They even sell a popcorn-like food that sort of floats that can be used for this, but cheerios work pretty good. They are going to make lots of mistakes, but finally they will get the hang of it. Associate the word, "catch" with throwing a treat, and when they are fairly good at catching treats, or at least not dodging it, you can try a toy. I always make Joey "sit" before we play the catch game, and it's useful if they understand the word "back up" as well. I found a cloth Frisbee that was perfect for training this trick. If it hit him in the nose, it doesn't scare him; you don't want to use anything that is made of plastic. After he got pretty good with that, I used other toy, and once I tried a small ball, and he did catch it, but he almost choked on it, so you need to be careful with that. Occasionally, he will make a wild leap for the toy I throw, but nothing like a golden retriever catching a Frisbee, at least not yet.

Thanks for sharing! I will be on my way to buy Cheerios this morning! Roxy loves to fetch and then plays tug, but I can't get her interested in catching anything. I didn't even think of trying to teach her by letting her "play with her food." I have alot to learn in this trick training department!

Great post Mike! About 24 years ago I got a sheltie and did alot of obedience work with him, but didn't make it a game for either of us. It was serious business. MacGruder was a great dog, and he had a cushy life with TONS of love, but he deserved to have alot more fun than what I let him have. With Roxy, I want her to come quickly and immediately from anywhere, and drop on the spot no matter what is going on. Other than those 2 lifesaving basics, the rest of her training will be far less structured and geared for our enjoyment of each other and not for obedience titles! Being able to walk by my side and sitting when we stop is plenty good enough. She doesn't have to plop her bum in a specific spot, perfectly forward everytime we stop. I do ask the basic concepts of her, but not perfection. MacGruder has been gone for alot of years now. The obedience titles couldn't possibly matter less. But the knowledge that I could have made his loyal little life more "fun" will stay with me forever. I mean, seriously, I have gotten each of my dogs to be my pets and not for a job that requires them to be perfect - so as long as I have them for enjoyment only, I will be working harder on providing enjoyment for them.

Now Eddie - he looks like he is having a blast with everything he does. Your three babies are lucky pups! Give your babies an Idaho hello from Roxy - and a special hello from her to Rusty - she really likes the big dogs!