Copyright of original edition

© 2007 by Cadmos Verlag GmbH,

Im Dorfe 11, 22956 Brunsbek, Germany

 

Copyright of this edition

© 2010 by Cadmos Books, Great Britain

 

Translation: Andrea Höfling

Design: Ravenstein + Partner, Verden

Photos: Andreas Maurer and Thomas Stens

 

All rights reserved: No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

 

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data

A catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library.

 

ISBN 978-0-85788-628-6

www.cadmos.co.uk

 

Data conversion eBook:

Kreutzfeldt digital, Hamburg

www.kreutzfeldt.de

 

Satzweiss.com Print Web Software GmbH, Saarbrücken

www.satzweiss.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This book is suitable for both beginners and advanced tricksters. The easier tricks are explained in great detail, starting with the handshake, and working towards more difficult tricks such as balancing objects on the behind. Those of you who are already gripped by ‘trick fever’ will find some new ideas in this book. Some of the tricks require accessories, most of which can be found in any household, or can be rearranged with a little ingenuity. Many tricks, such as switching on the light, originate from routines designed for the training of support and assistance dogs for the disabled. Your dog too could become a service dog, a little helper with your household chores. In recent years, human interaction with dogs has undergone a positive change: No longer having to function solely as a working dog, your dog can now be a partner, friend and companion. A very desirable development indeed!

 

 

 

 

Initially, the basic requirements for learning tricks are time, dedication and patience. It should be easy to motivate your dog with the help of some tasty treats. Every one of us surely remembers our school days: the best conditions for learning are a relaxed environment without any stress or pressure. Turn off the television, take your time preparing the trick you want to practise, pick up the treats and then call your dog. Please don’t practise at times when you’re in a bad mood, irritable or impatient for whatever reason. Your dog will sense your mood, he will start feeling insecure, and the atmosphere will be tense and unpleasant for him.

 

There will always be situations where you can’t seem to be able to make any progress with a particular trick. Don’t keep trying with grim determination and clenched teeth, and above all never blame the dog. Take a break, take your dog for a nice walk, do something enj oyable and pleasant. Forget about this trick for a few days, and practise something else, before trying again.

It is helpful to have a video camera running during training sessions. Even if it does feel a bit funny at first, it helps you notice any mistakes, which you can then avoid the next time round.

As for all the jumps described in this book, you should first make sure that both dog and owner are healthy and physically capable of carrying them out. They should always be done on a soft surface – lawn or sand are very suitable. If your dog generally has trouble jumping, if he lands on his front or hind legs at an angle that is too steep, if he has a physical impairment or isn’t fully grown yet, you should avoid all tricks involving jumps. Always remember that your dog’s safety has to come first, and that he won’t take any precautions himself. That is your responsibility.

 

 

The video is only meant for self-checking. (Photo: T. Stens)