Each week I've been working on various tricks using free shaping, a clicker and treats. So far we've done figure 8's through the legs while I'm standing still, weave through legs while I'm walking, show me your belly (pretty much bang but I changed the name because everyone does bang!), get your frisbee and bring it to me, learn toys names, get various toys, wave, shake, other paw, etc.

This week we started on back - having Neiko back up from a standing position. I hope to turn this in to various tricks like weave backwards through my legs and so forth.

I started with the clicker and treats and Neiko did his typical run around the room looking for something I might want him to interact with. Then he threw other behaviors at me like down and such. Sensing his frustration, I gave him a hint by having him stand in front of me and stepping in to him. By me stepping in to him he could do 1 of 2 things, back up or sit down. He tried sit at first but when that didn't work, he backed up ever so slightly. I c/t him for even the simplest movement towards backing up. So it started with him just adjusting his back feet - hardly moving his body at all. Once he figured out it had to do with his feet, he moved all 4 feet (it was really funny watching him shuffle his feet standing still!). I c/t for that. Then I waited him out and he took 1 step backwards - jackpot! He had it figured out after that, good enough so I could add in my body language to the trick. I'm using my foot tilted up to signal to back up. 

I love this free shaping stuff. Neiko loves it too. It helps that he is so eager to learn!