George is my 2 year old Golden Retriever/Irish Setter mutt. I have been lucky to grow up with a variety of pets, on average we have had six-eight at one time. I have always thought of myself as a cat person, yet George has since changed this opinion.

He was the first dog that we officially invested time in socializing and training. As a puppy, he loved everyone and everything. I have lived in a house of perpetual renovations, so George grew up meeting construction workers in our house regularly. However, one day he completely changed. He started to become fearful of everyone, it began with people who wore masks, gloves, sunglasses, and hats. Then, it became only men. And as of late…he does not like any strangers. We are clueless to what changed his opinion on people, and have since taken him to a variety of dog behaviour trainers, yet none have completely solved the problem. Currently, he is usually able to not react to dogs/people/cars, but there are certain circumstances whereby he will lunge and bark at them. He is an absolutely incredible dog at home, I am just disappointed that people are unable to see his real self.

Goals: Trick Training

I aim to teach George one trick bi-weekly. I will focus on one trick at a time until he can successfully complete the trick via verbal commands.

1.Wipe Paws

As you can see, George tends to get extremely muddy. We have a mini forest in our garden and it’s his favourite place to play in. But of course that brings consequences….MUD. This trick would be less for the “cute effect” but rather for the practical use to hopefully lessen the mess he brings in the house!                          As a resource, I shall use: Dog Trick Tutorial: “Clean Your Paws!” by Training Positive on YouTube. As well as, How to Train Your Dog to Wipe Paws as a website resource.

2.Bow

This trick is more towards the “cute effect” and does not have a purpose. However, any trick George learns makes him experience more stimulation and thus creates a rewarding day. I will use How to teach BOW – Dog Tricks Tutorial by Kikopup on YouTube. As well as, Dog trick: teaching your dog to take a bow as a website resource.

3.Jump Over a Stick

Instead of using hurdles, I will teach George how to jump over a stick. Jumping is a great way to release energy and so I hope to be able to add this trick into our current routine of playing fetch. I will use Dog Tricks: Teach Your Dog How To Jump Over Things by McCann Dog Training on YouTube. As well as, How to Train Your Dog to Jump Over a Stick as a website resource.

4. Shake

This is another practical trick for when George gets out of the rain, shower, or ocean. He already shakes when getting out of water, however, I want him to be able to shake on command to speed up drying time. I will use Teach your dog to shake off water on command and in place by Fred Hassen as a YouTube resource. As well as, I will use How to Train Your Dog To Shake His Body as a website resource.