Useful trick easy to teach

DEAR OLD TRAINER: My husband and I used your advice to teach Rudy, our 3-year old springer spaniel the “hold” command and he learned it faster than any command we ever taught him. It’s amazing to see him stop and freeze. Any more tricks that easy to teach?

Janet, Greeley, Colo.

A: Yes, and it’s one of the most useful commands of all. It’s easy to teach and requires no work on your part. It takes willpower though, and the hardest thing for any owner to do is have the willpower to say no.

All dogs have activities they enjoy so much they refuse to stop. We say, “No more treats. That’s all, and I mean it.” They wag their tails, look at us with love in their eyes, and hear “OK, I’ll give you another bone if you keep begging.” They are master manipulators, framing the issue on emotion rather that logic.

Here’s how to teach Rudy no means no. When you have enough of the activity stand straight and tall, look him in the eye, hold both hands out, palms facing him, spread them apart, and say, “That’s all.”

The hand signal is the same as that of a blackjack dealer when relieved. If you don’t play blackjack, it’s what Tom Cruise does at least five times every movie to show he is REALLY serious. You don’t have to hold your index fingers up and turn your head sideways like Tom does though.

Dogs know their human’s voice so well they detect a lack of resolve in an instant. Using the hand signal convinces them you mean it, but only if you have the correct body language when you give it. That’s why it’s important to stand tall and look them in the eye.

Once you do it, turn and walk away. Never relent. Never. Do it at the end of every interaction you have with Rudy. In a few days he will realize the signal means the fun is over and there is no appeal. At that point it becomes a universal command, no matter what activity you wish to stop.

DEAR OLD TRAINER: We want to take Bella, our Shih Tzu, with us on our annual fall trip. Do we need to keep her in a crate while traveling?

Warren, Berkeley

A: Bella doesn’t need a crate. Just put a blanket on the seat where you want Bella to ride and put her on it. When you arrive at a motel, transfer the blanket to the motel and Bella will feel right at home.

Taking a dog along makes any trip more memorable and so many people travel with dogs these days most motels welcome them.

Here are the general rules to make your trip a success:

1. Feed Bella the same food, at the same time, you do at home.

2. Stop at rest stops every few hours so she can go to the bathroom.

3. Offer her water every time you stop.

4. Never leave her alone in the car in warm weather.

5. Exercise is vital for humans and dogs when traveling. Make sure you and Bella get some every day.

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 3:11 PM with the headline "Useful trick easy to teach."