Teaching stubborn dog new tricks

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Many of you know that Isabella is my pup — to the best of our knowledge a Jack Russell Terrier and Husky mix who turned 2 last fall.

Terriers are hyperactive so, in warmer weather, we walk and she plays hard outside. Now that we’re in the thick of winter, exercise has become a challenge. So, I thought I would teach her a couple of new tricks.

We’re getting really good at stay. She knows how to shake and has the high-five thing down pat. When I tell Issy to sit, she usually does but there’s a 50-50 chance she’ll lay down instead.

Of late, I’ve been trying to teach her to “talk to the paw,” placing her paw on my nose. Oh, she picked it up quick enough and did it once. However, once was enough.

No matter how I beg, all I get is that cold, blank stare and just enough of a twitch of the paw to let me know that, while she knows what’s expected, she simply has no intention of complying.

I checked out the Internet. Jack Russells not only like to bounce off the walls, they’re known for being stubborn with a need to dominate. I thought we might fare better with the Huskie genes.

Nope!

Huskies are also known for being stubborn, along with obstinate, willful and independent. A double whammy! However I, too, am stubborn and tenacious so I’ll keep you posted if and when our menu of tricks ever increases.

Samantha Barkley, Dyer: My brother is so lazy he’s taught his dog to pick up his dirty socks off the floor on command and then put them in the laundry basket. Dogs love things that stink so I guess that’s the job of a lifetime for him.

Stephanie Quinn, Schererville: When we were growing up, my dad taught our mutt Henry to play dead. Dad would take a gun-slinger’s pose, point his finger and pull the trigger. Henry would drop like a stone and flip over on his side. The funniest part was that Henry couldn’t lie still; his butt and tail would still be wagging.

Sonny Davidson, Schererville: Sharkie is my buddy’s Rottweiler and he can do that balance-the-cookie-on-the-dog’s-nose trick. Sharkie wouldn’t think of touching the cookie until Max says “Now!” Then he flips that cookie way up and picks it off in mid-air. I’ve never seen him miss.

Thomas Brown, Gary: I’m not sure this counts as a trick but when I was a boy I had a newspaper route and taught my dog Buddy to pull my wagon filled with papers. My dad rigged up a kind of harness for him and after a while, Buddy would just trot on down the street ahead of me and stop at each house. Those were some good memories.

Cody Kleary, 9, St. John: When I tell my dog Peyton to go to bed, he runs into my bedroom, jumps in bed and buries himself under my covers. After I climb in bed, he comes out and curls up with his head on the other pillow. That always makes me laugh.