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SJK1113 · 09-13-2006, 08:14 PM

My little Jake is only 10 weeks old, but I've started teaching him tricks because he's sooooooooo smart and catches on really fast, and he seems to really enjoy it. I've taught him how to fetch a ball or a toy and bring it back to me, it took a couple days to teach him how to "drop it" once he brings it back, but he's got it down now. It's so cute to see him bringing the ball or toy back, and he drops it at my feet and sits down and waits for me to toss it again. I've been using praise rather than treats because he LOVES affection. Then once we're finished, I give him a few cheerios, he really likes those alot.

I've had several people tell me that he's too young to be learning tricks, but I really think that if he enjoys it (he LOVES to play) and he can learn, then I don't see the harm. I never push him or anything, I just make it a game. I work in the evenings, and when I get home he gets up and is excited to see me and wants to play for a little while. I find this is a really good time because we're up alone and it's quiet, and I have his full attention. It's a great way for me to unwind when I come home, it gives us a chance to spend some good quality time playing together, and he's learning. So, am I wrong, is he too young?

Also, do you all find it harder to teach a yorkie tricks because of their tiny size? I know it will get easier when he's a little bigger, but maybe it's just me because I'm not used to such a little dog.

He seems very eager to play and learn, so I hope I'm not doing it too soon. Would love to hear any thoughts on this. Thanks in advance.

09-13-2006, 08:14 PM	#1
SJK1113 No Longer a Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: usa Posts: 2,150	Questions about teaching tricks My little Jake is only 10 weeks old, but I've started teaching him tricks because he's sooooooooo smart and catches on really fast, and he seems to really enjoy it. I've taught him how to fetch a ball or a toy and bring it back to me, it took a couple days to teach him how to "drop it" once he brings it back, but he's got it down now. It's so cute to see him bringing the ball or toy back, and he drops it at my feet and sits down and waits for me to toss it again. I've been using praise rather than treats because he LOVES affection. Then once we're finished, I give him a few cheerios, he really likes those alot. I've had several people tell me that he's too young to be learning tricks, but I really think that if he enjoys it (he LOVES to play) and he can learn, then I don't see the harm. I never push him or anything, I just make it a game. I work in the evenings, and when I get home he gets up and is excited to see me and wants to play for a little while. I find this is a really good time because we're up alone and it's quiet, and I have his full attention. It's a great way for me to unwind when I come home, it gives us a chance to spend some good quality time playing together, and he's learning. So, am I wrong, is he too young? Also, do you all find it harder to teach a yorkie tricks because of their tiny size? I know it will get easier when he's a little bigger, but maybe it's just me because I'm not used to such a little dog. He seems very eager to play and learn, so I hope I'm not doing it too soon. Would love to hear any thoughts on this. Thanks in advance.