[PeggyTheParti]

This month’s trick is a very silly one, perfect for photos, and videos, and making your friends and family laugh. It’s from the AKC advanced list. It is....

Smoosh!

Here is the official description from the AKC Trick Dog evaluator guide: “Dog presses face on plexiglass to make a funny face (an advanced version of target touch).”

Here it is in action:

And here is a rough guide to get you started:

I’ve seen it done against other clear objects, such as in this video:

But remember—safety first.

If your poodle does not yet know “touch,” here is a good place to start: Trick Club: November 2020


Happy training!

Robin & Peggy

 

[ThePoodlesMoody]

I bet we can get this one! The hardest part will be getting duration, though.

Although we're only trick dog novice, we'll give one from teh advanced list our best shot!

 

[PeggyTheParti]

I bet we can get this one! The hardest part will be getting duration, though.

Although we're only trick dog novice, we'll give one from teh advanced list our best shot!

A nice thing about slipping an advanced trick in there is that it can kinda brew in the back of your poodle’s mind. Then hit the pause button for a month or two (or more!) and you might be amazed at how much better Apple Butter performs it.

That’s what happened with Peggy and “bow.” She did not love it when it was in our puppy class homework, so I shelved it. A year later I figured I’d try teaching her again and she was instantly a bowing machine. She definitely remembered. So cute.

 

[PeggyTheParti]

I bet we can get this one! The hardest part will be getting duration, though.

Although we're only trick dog novice, we'll give one from teh advanced list our best shot!

Oh and yes! I tried “smoosh” out the night before I posted it, just to make sure it felt doable, and I could immediately tell that duration was going to be tricky. Peggy’s got almost 20 months of “touch” under her belt, and I’ve never asked her to hold it. So I’m going to start by building duration there.

 

[PeggyTheParti]

I’ve been practicing this with a glass Snapware container. Like this one (minus the lid):

I sit down on the ground and ask Peggy to lie down in front of me. I hold up the container so the bottom is facing her, and then I hold the treat inside and say “touch.” Today she actually started giving me some (hilarious) duration, which I reinforced with the clicker. My husband was laughing so hard, he was practically in tears.

I’ll try to get a photo next time. We’re on the hunt for a piece of plexiglass, which will make it safer and easier to capture. I’m thinking maybe just a cheap picture frame from Michael’s should do the trick.

 

[94Magna_Tom]

"My husband was laughing so hard, he was practically in tears."

THAT makes me laugh! This must be part of the "spoiled poodle" category! It's purpose is definitely only for the Human!

 

[PeggyTheParti]

It’s been a rough month, health-wise, so I’m not surprised we’re failing miserably at this one. I was getting good duration until I switched over to a big, plastic picture frame. The sounds it made while I got it into position had Peggy barking and dancing and very confused. When I went back to the dish instead, she very grudgingly gave me quick smooshes, but the fun wasn’t there. And they certainly weren’t long enough for photos:

Lol.