The DOOM Spaniels

We started a Very Difficult exercise yesterday. Generally when the Spaniels come inside, they both do a trick or several tricks, then get a carrot. This time, they had to do *different* tricks. Both sat, both laid down (carrot). Then Yvie laid down while Tristan sat (carrot). And then Yvaine sat while Tristan laid down (carrot).

I want them to feel confident in their own interpretation of what they're told, not just look at each other and copy their work ;) I want them to each be watching me for cues. I want them to learn that sometimes they don't do the exact same things, but they still both get to be good and get their rewards. They're very good puppies.

Tristan recently started carrying around the food bowls (both of them) excitedly at mealtimes. Which, in and of itself, is adorable.

I gave it a name ("bring me the supper dishes!") and gently directed him to the Supper Cart, then rewarded him for giving the bowl to me at the Supper Cart. We've been playing this game now for just a couple of weeks. Last night, Tristan went and fetched both bowls on command, one at a time, and brought them to me while I was counting out Yvaine's meds.

It's particularly difficult to photograph this trick, because Tris is so wriggly that he's vibrating :D Tristan gets to do something exciting, AND get told he's a Good Boy, AND get Supper afterwards!