Amazing Trick Training

Tapes that promise to train your dog to do amazing things are kind of like magic tapes--filled with high expectations, and usually bound to disappoint. Amazing Trick Training is no exception. The idea that we're going to follow a neophyte dog through the entire process of learning a trick sounds promising, but in the end, the tape meanders, is ineffective, comes to a dead standstill for an overlong interview with a vet about safety and doesn't really follow through on its promises. We never, for instance, get to see the untrained dog properly learn the "Mexican Hat Dance." Even worse, simple tricks such as "sit" and "roll over" are glossed over in favor of training your dog to "play Santa (don't ask)," "Do the Wave," "Put Away Toys," and the two grossest ones, "Bring The Phone" (nothing like a slobbery earful next time that phone solicitor calls) and "Achoo." In "Achoo" you train the dog to bring a Kleenex every time someone in the room sneezes (!). If you think the cure to your allergies is a wetnap of dog saliva, then you will probably find this tape adorable. I'm an old dog and I love new tricks, but this one left me scratching at the door to get out. Not recommended. Aud: P. (R. Ray)