07/10/2026
I have a confession. I never used to love teaching my dog tricks! Shake hands, meh. Speak. Did that once, never doing it again. Spin. Twirl. Why?
But that was then and this is now. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks (meaning me).
Tricks are fun, useful and really entertaining. And even more important my dogs are having a blast. It’s the “no pressure” environment . If Kix can’t spin to the right very well, it doesn’t matter. He spins left with speed and enthusiasm. He can put his front feet on a book, a box, my arm, a traffic cone. And he can bow like he just finished a performance to a packed house at Carnegie Hall.
I’ve never laughed harder in a class than I have at myself and my dog during a tricks class demo. I’ve entertained countless family, friends and therapy dog audiences. I taught Kix the spatula treat flip trick for my own entertainment. And I’ve used many tricks as really great foundation skills for Kix’s obedience and rally work.
Want to get in on the fun?
Dana is offering an accelerated Novice Tricks Workshop on Sundays, July 19 and 26 at 10:45 a.m. This class will use little or no equipment and you will be able to learn enough tricks in the two weeks to earn your AKC Novice Tricks title. And I guarantee you and your dog will have fun!
As with our other summer workshops, the Novice Tricks Workshop will be held in the fitness room at the Ahwatukee Swim and Tennis Community Center. The two-week workshop is $120. For more information or to sign up email me at [email protected]
