Gus again outperforms my lofty expectations, this time with the red notification flag on the side of the mailbox. Turns out he has zero trouble, mentally or physically, with pushing it upright. I simply show it to him, and demonstrate that it can be raised and lowered, and he practically shoves me aside to do it himself. After no more than half a dozen tries, he’s an expert now:
I needed a cue that’s distinct from his already extensive vocabulary for other tricks. So I describe the action of his muzzle: “Rub it.” I could probably teach him to manipulate forceps or engineer an electrical switch or program a radio frequency to lift the flag, but at least for now we’ll stick with basic mouth-smooshing.
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