Paco Puppy Check It Out

[Ann]

Paco is sooo clever.

[mel]

Paco is my dog and I was so excited to see that you posted my video!  Thanks!

Paco passed his therapy dog test on sunday and is now a certified therapy dog, my students love him 

[Ann]

Hi Mel
I'm so gald you are happy about it. I love your little Paco he is soo clever you have done such a wonderful job. If you ever have the time it would be really wonderful if you could tell us a little about what you do and how you go about teaching these tricks to our shorkies. I'm sure it takes a lot of time. Please don't feel pressured as I do understand that you might be a very busy person. Thank you for allowing us to see the video he is gorgious.
Take Care
Ann

[Mai Tai]

Mel, I love Paco.  I wanted Mai Tai to be a service dog too as two of my children have special needs.  Any light you can shed on how you accomplished all the wonderful things I see in your video would be greatly appreciated.  I don't think Mai Tai is as smart as Paco, but I am sure I could make some progress with him.

[mel]

Wow thanks guys!  As far as how I taught paco these tricks, I honestly cannot take credit because he is quite smart.  He is almost three now, but I taught him all those tricks when he was still a puppy, around six months.  He picks up on words very quickly and knows the names to all his toys and even my roommates and boyfriend's name.  It is like a game we play, I say "go find your... Octopus!" and he will search the whole house to find his octopus toy (that might have to be video #2).  For all the tricks in this video, I just used training treats and lots of repetition.  Paco never responded well to the clicker or any other training tools.  I had tried to teach him to just sit up and beg with holding the treat up, but he would always put his paws up by his face, so I went with the "stick em up" and "bang" idea.  Sorry this is not the most helpful but feel free to ask more specific questions and I can try to answer them...

As far as the therapy dog piece, I am a psychologist and work at a school with all students with special needs and mental illness.  I am so glad I had him certified, because my students love him and ask about him every day.  It is amazing how calming dogs can be with kids.  This was the original reason I posted this video, because my students kept begging me to! 

[Ann]

Hi Mel, that is really great that you have been able to get him certified. I'm sure the children do love him and I'm sure you are very confident that your Paco is safeto have around them. I know with Toby that my grandchildren can pick him up by the neck and drag him around and he wont hurt them and when he is let go he goes back for more so I know that he loves it just as much.
I'm really looking forward to seeing Video 2. You sure have got a smart dog. Give him a hug for me.
Take Care
Ann

[Cash]

Wow, Paco is amazing.. I love seeing dogs do tricks like this.  It has inspired me to try to do more with Cash as well.  They are amazing little wonders aren't they?

[mel]

yes they are!  I will let you guys know when I get a chance to make another video 

[brenlynn]

paco is amazing!! i showed so many people this video. you have a really cute and smart dog!!

[mel]

thanks!  I am so glad you are sharing my video with friends, thank you so much!

[teddybear]

Paco is amazing, and really adorable! He is just so funny and obedient.

[stacy15]

omgosh! i LOVE that stick em up trick!! is it too late to teach it to my doggie?? lol he's 2!!