Catching The Bow

Your dog already knows this one — the play bow, front end down and rear in the air, shows up every time they stretch or invite a game. Catch it: watch for the bow and mark the exact moment it happens. No natural bow?

The trap is the full down. A bow is really a down caught halfway, so most dogs keep sinking until their rear hits the floor. Beat it two ways: tuck a hand or forearm under the belly as a soft shelf to hold the back end up, or simply mark so fast the dog gets paid before it ever finishes the drop.