Hey all,

Want to teach a new work related trick and need some advice. Think Flinks says something about having a drink and a smoke and thinking about training, before you try it, so that is were I am now.

The trick will be for me to bend or squat down with a backpack on. The dog will then jump up on my back/shoulders area, the dog will then assume the position of being carried over my shoulders. End product like in picture here:



I put this in the clicker section but plan on using marker as that is what we are used to.

I have a few questions;

The finished trick for work will have me wearing a backpack. Should I start without one?

To provide rewards I will need a helper. Should I train the trick with dog jumping up on me, me marking (my timing would be better than helpers?) and someone else rewarding, or train the trick having him jump on someone else first, and me mark and reward?

Problem I forsee is the second half of trick. Jumped up on my back fine, but then must learn to stay up there, down and let me manipulate legs into correct position (or put them there himself). Advice on steps to expect here.

Also danger of training this (for dog). Kind of alkward when he jumps down when I am not ready until fully trained. I will try to train outside on grass at least? Luck for him i am short

Currently he will jump into my arms on command and I can ski with him like that, but this new position will be more comfortable for me to ski with the weight on my shoulders instead of infront of me. I have already skied with him over my shoulders so he is used to it, but I am not strong enough to "clean and jerk" him up there, and would prefer him to be able to jump up to my shoulders without the need for assistance or me taking my skis off.

In planning stages, any advice on how to proceed would be most excellent.

Cheers,

Haha!

OK, here is a link to Abby's version of the same. She hangs on to my belt with her toes. We walk through the hospital like this on Therapy dog days

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InboHt8ptt4

It's a trick called a "back stall" and if you google, it you'll come up with quite a bit.

I got lucky (like usual) with Abby. After a recall training session with the ecollar, she wasn't going to chance making a mistake or refusing a command. She already jumped up on front. I turned my back to her and gave the command. She did it. Jackpot!

The hard part is convincing the dog to go around the shoulders like a boa Let me know how you do it!

I'd recommend a neoprene vest (sold for disc/frisbee dog trainers). They're ungodly hot in summer, but should be great for winter.

I just save this trick for cold days when a sweatshirt is comfy.

O - and wear a hat and turtleneck because your scalp and neck WILL get clawed to bits for a while.

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To provide rewards I will need a helper. Should I train the trick with dog jumping up on me, me marking (my timing would be better than helpers?) and someone else rewarding, or train the trick having him jump on someone else first, and me mark and reward?

Maybe I should read the whole thing before I respond...

Definitely have the dog on your back/shoulders, you click, helper rewards. I did the other way with Abby for a while until I took her to the dog park and she was randomly jumping on people's shoulders. Yes, we left - quickly!

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Problem I forsee is the second half of trick. Jumped up on my back fine, but then must learn to stay up there, down and let me manipulate legs into correct position (or put them there himself). Advice on steps to expect here.

You need to teach the dog to go higher so it's knees are over your shoulders and the dog is siitng "tall" on your shoulders. (Severe risk of eyeball removal by dog claw). Move one leg over so they're both on one shoulder and give the legs a "twist" and the dog will "fall" into the boa position.

Ummm... wear goggles and a face mask. I gave up on this one because it was too dangerous. So there has GOT to be a better way!

How about teach a good stand stay, duck your head and neck under the dog's belly and slowly stand up. ?? Not dramatic, but safe and effective.

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OK, here is a link to Abby's version of the same.

I was hoping you would respond Cool video. I envision something quite a bit less dramatic!

Cheers,
Jennifer

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Definitely have the dog on your back/shoulders, you click, helper rewards. I did the other way with Abby for a while until I took her to the dog park and she was randomly jumping on people's shoulders. Yes, we left - quickly!

He He

My dog is super aloof so I would have this problem. I think I will try with him jumping up on me as you said and have my husband treat.

Cheers,

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How about teach a good stand stay, duck your head and neck under the dog's belly and slowly stand up. ?? Not dramatic, but safe and effective.

Yep, that is what I can do already. Problem is it is suprisingly difficult with downhill skis on, helmet, goggles, back pack on... It is okay if I get him up on a snowbank or something, don't have to bend over as far, but then I can't do it with skis on very easily, and there is not always something for him to stand on.

If it seems unsafe or not possible, i will give it up. Just seemed like a good summer thing to work on.

I know what you mean about dog claws, wont be a problem in the winter, in the summer, I will be protected

Thanks for the advice,

I will let you know how I am doing, and what stumbling blocks I run into.

Cheers,

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Definitely have the dog on your back/shoulders, you click, helper rewards. I did the other way with Abby for a while until I took her to the dog park and she was randomly jumping on people's shoulders. Yes, we left - quickly!



He He

My dog is super aloof so I would have this problem. I think I will try with him jumping up on me as you said and have my husband treat.

Sorry...should read "my dog is super aloof so I would NOT have that problem"

Wow, I have really lost a few brain cells in the last few years

Cheers,
Jennifer

Here is an update on our new trick plus videos.

I have found the key to getting him in the "boa" position is to not bend at the waist, rather stay quite upright instead. If I bend at the waist he jumps on my back and is too far away to manouver into position.

I started on my knees and as you can see from the two videos am progressing to a more upright position. In a session or two I will get my skis and boots on in the back yard to see how far I will be able to squat and still keep my back upright.

If I want him to get up there with me standing tall, he would need a run at it. As I plan this trick to be functional, I think I will forgo the "wow" factor, and give him any advantage to get up there I can by squating as much as I can with skis on.





Cheers,

Jennifer