[GingerGunlock]

You could say something like "tada!"

I use "bow" with Elka and she seems to get it, but I do agree that it sounds way close to "down" and there could be confusion.

 

[GingerGunlock]

If you want to teach a dog get on a mat. I woud get clicker and treats and put mat out. I'd stand relatively close, say 1-2 ft. Dog looks at mat, click treat. I'd do this 2-3 times. Then I'd wait to see if they took 1 step towards it. click treat. Again do this a few times. Wait for 2 steps. Wait until 1 foot is on. then 2 feet, the 3 feet, then 4 feet.

I'm hoping she'll share the video of the head turn and it will be a great video example of how it's down.

/snip

I just blogged about shaping "go to your bed" last week!

It's a lot of fun, and a great way to teach cues.

 

[GingerGunlock]

yes, The Thinking Dog is definitely one of the best dog training books I've read, hands down. The clicker and shaping stuff is all beautifully explained, the pictures are good, and there are plenty of anecdotes (I loves the stories!)