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MOTIVATING YOUR DOG - the “Minguey Hop.”

Sometimes you can learn from your students and this was one of those times. Dr. Mark Minguey is one of Las Vegas’ endearing dentists who purchased a Cocker, Elvis, from Gretchen Stone. Mark and Elvis have a “special” relationship and during one of their runs at a local trial, Elvis arrived at the end of the weaves slightly ahead of Mark. As Elvis pivoted around the last pole to meet Mark, he jumped into the air and, much to the surprise of everyone watching, so did Mark. Fortunately, a camera was pointed in his direction and a quick finger captured the doctor and dog in flight.

After studying the “Minguey Hop,” it was decided that it had motivation potential. One of my students, a Rottweiler named Bahn (owned by Sandy Burns), sometimes lacked the energy to elevate over a 24” jump. His handler, Zee Marie, decided to try the technique and began jumping in the air with Bahn. The result was an increase of height by some 6 or more inches over the jump. Clearly this is not a technique that ought to be used by those with an infirmity or those of AARP age. But if your dog sometimes knocks bars and you’ve still got a “spring” in your step, you’re welcome to try it!

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