As far as teaching him the trick. I know this sounds stupid, but I have the book "Dog Tricks for Dummies" and it is really a very informative book. It shows you how to teach tricks in steps...spread out over days, and also uses clicker training methods.

Here, I'm going to type what it says in the book. I hope it is helpful, let me know if any of you are able to teach this to your dogs!

You'll need to break this one into two parts: the balance, and the flip and catch.

Balancing Act

This first part trains your dog to keep her nose still:

1. Line up treats on a nearby table
2. Put your dog on a sit-stay
3. Gently hold your dog's nose steady for 5 seconds, reminding "stay" (actually I used the word "wait" instead) if she gets restless. Click and reward her for her steadiness.
4. Repeat step 3 five times.

Later that day or the next day

5. Repeat steps 1-3 above, but place a treat on your dog's nose while you steady it, reminding "stay."
6. After 5 seconds, say "Okay," and remove the treat that's on her nose.
7. Reward her with a different treat, so that she does not become obsessed with the treat that's on her nose.
8. Repeat this exercise four times, then stop for the day.
9. Continue to practice this step until your dog is proficient at balancing the treat on her nose for at least 15 seconds, no nose-holding required.


Flip and Catch

Teach the flip and catch only after perfecting the balance.

1. Balance a treat on your dog's nose, then introduce the next concept (the flip) by saying "Okay" as you slide the treat from your dog's nose to her mouth.

After a day or two you should notice that your dog tries to flip the treat herself. Praise her only if her flip follows your "Okay."

If she flips prematurely say, "Ep ep" (I say "uh-uh" instead) and practice the balance alone a few times before continuing.

2. Balance the treat on her nose and command "stay."
3. Walk back 3 feet and pause. Vary the length of the pauses as you practice.
4. Say "Okay" for the catch and make a big fuss when she does, praising your dog with lots of love.

To help your dog learn to wait for your "Okay" before flipping the treat, vary the balance time before sliding the treat into her mouth.