Trick training is one of the best things you can do with your dog. It stimulates their mind, builds a stronger bond between the two of you, and gives them a “job” to do (not to mention how much fun it is to hear the “oohs and ahhs” from spectators). Trick training should always be a fun time with your dog! You must never get frustrated (just quit that session if you start to feel any change in your demeanor) and always set realistic goals in a training session. It does take patience, a lot of positive reinforcement and time. However, before you know it, your dog will catch on and be happy to have learned something that pleases you. Soon, I will write a full article on dog tricks, the benefits of training, some tips and more videos of other tricks that Clancy knows. For now, enjoy seeing some of the things that your dog may be capable of!
I’d like to share with you the video I submitted as part of Clancy’s Trick Dog Champion title application… I had to keep to a certain format for the application’s sake, so Clancy does have many more tricks up his furry sleeve! Before you watch, please keep this in mind:
Clancy had to demonstrate in this lengthy video that he could perform the foundation of many dog tricks: Coordination, Mouth Targets, Paw Targets, Finding the Scent (this section is kind of long because you had to do this multiple times in a row without being edited), Being able to work at a Distance from you, using only Silent cues, and then you finally get to the really fun tricks… demonstrating a behavior Chain and Expert level Tricks (which some were also performed to demonstrate other categories of the application.) I will eventually compose highlight videos of Clancy’s best tricks… many of which didn’t fit in this trick dog champion title application video. Check out our FUNanimal Twitter and/or Facebook page to be alerted when one is posted on YouTube!
While I am proud to brag that Clancy is the first titled “Trick Dog Champion” Keeshond (and was the first Intermediate, Advanced and Expert titled Kees 😉 ), I’d like to give a shout out to A*Starz Through the Looking Glass, aka “Allison”, for being the first ever titled Trick Dog (novice) Keeshond. Thank you, Donna Stekli, for introducing me to the sport of dog tricks. Congrats to the other titled Keeshond Trick Dogs out there and everyone that “does more with their dog”.
Keeshonden are super smart and may test your patience with their bad behavior they are capable of when they are bored… teaching them tricks is the perfect way to stimulate them and to distract them while having FUN (Keesies are all about FUN!)
So please have fun watching (I hope to get some “oohs and ahhs” out of you) and check back here occasionally for more information and to see more videos and posts of Clancy’s tricks and other going on’s. Please be sure to watch the last few minutes of the video for the best tricks. Enjoy!
(I do offer trick training classes in my new pet services business, FUNanimal Pet Services, LLC. If you’re interested and in the DC area, please let me know! Clancy and I are also available to do trick shows… so if you want to liven up your party, get-together, workplace or any event with the fluffiest, cutest (IMO), and smartest dog around, let me know!)
Clancy has truly opened up my eyes to the potential that all dogs have that most humans aren’t aware of. My main mission with my Kees Of Dog’s Delight blog is to encourage all dog owners to enrich their dog’s life, which in turn enriches the dog owner’s life through socialization and the benefits you gain from the strong bond you create with your dog. Though I love all types of dogs, cats, and just all animals, Clancy has ignited a passion in me for the Keeshond, so from time to time you will see more Kees oriented posts, especially while the Keeshond community works on rescuing 60 + Keeshonden from one of the worst puppy mills in the U.S. 
Kees of Dog's Delight 