I went to visit Lynn and Lola's therapy dog class this past Tuesday. They were working on 'paws up' where the dog has to pop his front paws up on a bench so that the person can have easier reach to pet him.

Well, I thought I'd give it a try with Scooby at home...not working very well.
I'm basically asking him to do something which for the past 6 yrs I told him NOT to do. He's been taught not to pop up on chairs, tables, beds, anything and he's very good about not doing it. I've been using something neutral, like foot stools and ledges but he's looking at me like "but MOM! You told me NEVER to get up on things!!!"

what to do....

Eriko, when we were learning that, I new that would be Lola's downfall. She is such a grounded dog and doesn't like to jump at all. I taught her with a treat. It took awhile for her to actually be comfortable with it but as you saw Tues. she's fine with it now!;)

I started off letting her smell the treat and dragging it upwards so she would follow it. I'm sure that will work much better with Scooby than it did with Lola. ;) At first, she would just stare at the treat. Eventually, she started to put her paws up but would not stay there. I can show you how I did it if I see you this weekend or next Tues!

ANother technique that our instructor used was pulling up on the training collar. It will force them to get up.

PS- I hope you come on Tuesdays. If for nothing else, it's pure entertainment. Nittany will be there Tues too.

I'm planning on it! 'just have to get Scooby's shot records.

Well, we've made Some progress. Now I just have to stop him from popping up all together!