CLA Class 2 of My Christmas Story- 6 Class Series

Register - mailchi.mp/can...
Christmas Story Tricks Class 2
Class 2 of our annual Christmas Story Tricks Class was fantastic! We have a lot of superstar pups in our classes - it was amazing to see how much everyone learned!
If you were not able to join us live, don’t worry! Below you will find everything you need to catch up at home - Act 2 Tricks List, Prop List, and the link to watch the class recording so that you know how to put the tricks into the performance!
If you are just now joining us, please note, this class is available virtually ONLY. All students, local and non-local, will take this class via Zoom. The final performance will be during the last class for our non-local students and an in-person performance for our local students will take place at the HB facility on December 19th at 6:00 pm PST!
About Class 2
What a delightful holiday performance Bella is learning! Here’s a list of the tricks from Class 2 to continue Bella’s story:
Trick List:
Opens a Door - Bella targets her nose or paw to a specific spot.
Wrap a Bow - Bella places her paws on a ribbon as the bow is tied.
Cover the Eyes - Bella covers her eyes for a “surprise” effect.
Take a nap - Bella brings a blanket over to her mat and lays down.
Sit and Wait - Bella sits in one spot, practicing obedience.
Push the Cart - Bella nudges a small cart forward.
Follow the Elf - Bella gets in heel position and walks next to (or right behind) Santa’s elves in the workshop.
Spin to Shake Off the Snow - Bella spins on cue, in both directions, as if shaking off snow.
Wave - Bella raises her paw to wave.
Find a Toy by Name - Bella retrieves a toy by name.
Fetch a Bow - Bella fetches a small bow or decoration.
Put Toys in Santa’s Sack - Bella carefully places wrapped toys in Santa’s sack.
Class 2 Prop List:
Sticky Note or Tape for a nose target
Ribbons (loose for “wrap a bow” trick) and Bow
Holiday Mat for “Place/Got to Mat”
Small Blanket
Small Cart like a toy shopping cart
Toys
Santa’s Sack
Small Gift Box
Bonus Trick Tutorial:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to to Push Open a Door using their Paw Target. If your dog prefers, you can also use a nose target to nudge open a door as well!
Props Needed:
Sticky note or painter’s tape
Door in your home
Step-by-Step Training Process:
Set Up and Start Simple: Begin in a quiet room with minimal distractions. Place a piece of tape on your hand. Show it to your dog and encourage them to touch it any way. As soon as they do, click (or say your “marker” word) and treat. Repeat this until they reliably touch the tape just with their paw (or nose).
Gradually Move Towards the Door: Once your dog understands to touch the tape on your hand, gradually bring your hand closer to the door. Each time they paw (or nose) the tape, click and treat. Keep moving your hand a bit closer to the door until your hand, with the tape, is right against it.
Transfer the Target to the Door: Now, stick the tape directly on the closed door. Point to the tape and encourage your dog to touch it with their paw (or nose). At first, mark and reward for any attempt they make to touch the tape on the door. With each try, they’ll start connecting the action with the reward.
Refine the Behavior: As your dog gets more consistent, start using a smaller piece of tape. Gradually reduce the size of the tape until you can eventually remove it, simply pointing to the spot on the door where they should push. Be sure to reward every successful push to reinforce the behavior. Next is to open the door slightly and hold it while you ask your dog to paw (or nose) target the door, making the door open. Be sure the door opens slowly so it doesn’t startle them.
Add the Cue: When your dog is reliably pushing the door open on their own, introduce a cue like “Push” or “Open” right before they touch the door. Practice this until they respond to the cue without needing the tape.
With patience and practice, your dog will soon be able to push open doors on cue. This trick is not only fun but also adds a useful skill to your dog’s repertoire!
We are thrilled to have you join us and can't wait to see you next week!
We are dedicated to providing the best experience for you and your pup, and we're thrilled to have you on this journey with us. Your support means the world to us, and we can't wait to continue growing and evolving together.
We have created a Google Calendar with our Class Schedule and booking links included to make it easier for you to access our offerings and get signed up! Click the calendar icon to subscribe today!

[@desullivan]

I haven’t seen the link for the 11/19 episode (class #3). Thanks for these great tricks.💕

[@desullivan]

I registered, but for some reason, I’m not getting the new emails for the classes….