D O G S AT P L AY
TEXT: DR CAROLINE HOWES - SCHOOL OF ANIMAL, PLANT, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG
TRICK TUTORIAL WIPE YOUR PAWS ‘
W
ipe your paws’ or ‘dig dig’ is one of my favourite tricks by far! It just involves having your dog ‘dig’ or scratch at a piece of fabric (e.g. an old towel, a piece of fleece etc.) with both front paws. It is an excellent trick from which to begin graduating into behaviours beyond your traditional obedience work since it is both fun and easy to teach. There is also a practical side to ‘wipe your paws, ’
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which includes both getting muddy paws clean on a towel and building strength in your dog’s front end. From the strengthening perspective, the digging motion uses all the muscles in your dog’s front legs, from their feet to their shoulders, as well as engaging some core muscles. All in all, this can be a great trick to add to your agility dog or active companion’s life!
DQ|2B
