Sasha learns to “roll over”…. ish

At first, my dog Sasha was a quick study when it came to learning tricks.

I taught hit sit, lay down, and give me your paw all in a matter of minutes, really. It was bizarre how quickly she learned. (She’s a Yorkie-Bichon mix.)

But after those three, in the first few months, it was slow going for a good 4+ years.

The thing is, with a small dog, it’s not easy teaching them some of the tricks. For example, “roll over.” They tell you to sort of take a treat and move it over the dog’s head, then “help” the dog roll over with your hand.

Heh. Fat chance.

I don’t know about a big dog, but a small dog just kind of looks at you like you’re crazy when your hand is gently trying to “help” him turn over.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

So, after four years of trying to teach Sasha to “roll over,” I’m pretty happy with where we ended up, only this past week.

Now, officially, this isn’t quite “roll over.” But she’s consistent with it, and does it every time. And you know, after 4 years, I’ll take it.

(Of course, I don’t plan on showing you the outtakes. First time around, Sasha kind of did all her tricks at once, without me asking her, hoping it would lead to a treat. It did not.)

Enjoy. (And watch closely, has a whole tongue-thing going on towards the end of the maneuver.)