You know that adorable head tilt your dog does whenever you whistle? Cue your dog’s cuteness! Dogs are capable of understanding hundreds of words – give the behavior a unique name and make it part of your dog’s repertoire!
For example: Years ago we had a Boston Terrier named Daemon. So many years ago that one of the songs on the radio all the time was Billy Joel’s “Piano Man.” Every time he heard that song, Daemon would howl, like he was trying to sing along. It was the only time he ever did it. We thought it was hilarious, and adorable. So we named it and gave him treats every time. In just a few weeks, Daemon knew it. Many days were brighter when we asked: “Daemon, are you the Piano Man?” and listening to his adorable response.
Logic isn’t necessary
Of course Daemon wasn’t the Piano Man. But he didn’t know that. You can name behaviors whatever you want. The words you use will only have that particular meaning to you and your dog. Some people use foreign phrases, made-up languages (like Klingon), or nonsense syllables. It doesn’t matter to anyone but you and your dog. If it makes you smile and you won’t be embarrassed to say it in public, go ahead!
The public part is worth noting. Because you’re going to want to show off your dog’s new trick at the next family gathering, or get-together at your place. And you want to be able to say it in front of your grandmother. Or post it on social media and make your dog an internet sensation. Without getting “bleeped.”
Anything can become a cute trick
The behavior you cue doesn’t have to be anything particularly special. Put a name to something your dog does naturally. When your dog gets up from a nap, does she stretch in a particular way? Have some treats handy and say “Good Stretch!” and reward. You can probably even predict when she’ll do it, so you can be ready. Just saying “Good Stretch!” every time you see your dog do it will evolve into a cue for the behavior. It may take a while for your dog to realize what you’re rewarding for, but it will happen. Hope was starting to teach Torque “Stretch!” He still hasn’t quite picked up on it, but Fran’s Booker did.
“Shake!” is a good one to cue your dog with, too. Not all dogs shake themselves, and they certainly don’t all do it the same way. Fran’s Brussels Griffon Tango has the most adorable way of shaking himself from front to back – almost like “The Wave” at a stadium. If it makes you smile, it’s worth trying to cue it.
Look for special everyday
Even if you have multiple dogs of the same breed, over time or together, you know that each dog has their own personality. Those individual distinctions are what make each dog special. Capturing those with cued, natural behaviors lets you preserve each dog’s uniqueness. And the time you spend together, learning, practicing, and performing, become precious memories.
