Peekaboo Pup!

In partnership with

How to Pop Out Between Your Human’s Legs

by Biscuit

Hello, pups—and the humans responsible for carrying the treats! This episode’s sheltie host here.

Today, I’m going to teach you a trick guaranteed to make people say, “Aww!” while you quietly wonder why standing between someone’s legs is considered entertainment.

It’s called Peekaboo Pup! Your pup waits several feet behind you while you face away. When you give the signal, they run toward you, pop through your legs and stop with their adorable face looking up at you.

It’s cute, it’s impressive and, most importantly, it involves snacks.

Before you begin, find a quiet room or fenced area with a non-slip surface. You’ll need plenty of small treats and a pup who is comfortable being close to your legs. If your dog seems nervous about passing underneath you, go slowly and never force them. Some dogs find human legs suspicious—and honestly, have you seen the way you people dance?

Step 1: Create the Peekaboo Position

Begin with your pup standing behind you. Spread your feet far enough apart to create a comfortable opening, then hold a treat between your knees where your pup can see and smell it.

Slowly lure your pup forward until their head and shoulders appear between your legs. When they are standing in the correct position, mark the moment with a cheerful “Yes!” and give them the treat.

At first, don’t worry about having them sit or stare lovingly into your eyes. Simply reward them for coming between your legs and staying there.

Repeat this several times until your pup willingly follows the treat into position. Keep each practice session short—about three to five minutes. We dogs learn best when lessons end before the snacks become stingy.

Step 2: Add the Look-Up

Once your pup is comfortable standing between your legs, hold the treat slightly above their nose so they tilt their head upward to look at you. The moment they look up, say “Yes!” and reward them.

Gradually ask them to hold that position for one or two seconds before receiving the treat. Over several sessions, increase the time a little. The goal is for your pup to stop between your legs and look up instead of continuing through and wandering off to investigate a dust bunny.

You may also ask your pup to sit between your legs if that is comfortable for both of you. However, standing works perfectly well—especially for larger dogs or humans with shorter legs.

Step 3: Introduce the Cue

Now choose a verbal cue. “Peekaboo!” is the obvious choice, although “Surprise!” or “Emergency Dog Delivery!” would also work.

With your pup just behind you, say “Peekaboo!” and use the treat to guide them into position. Mark and reward as soon as they arrive and look up.

After several successful repetitions, begin fading the lure. Say the cue and make the same hand motion, but keep the treat in your other hand or pocket. Reward your pup only after they reach the correct position. This teaches them to respond to the cue rather than simply following food around like Kevin follows the sound of a cheese wrapper.

Step 4: Add the Wait

Ask your pup to sit and wait. Take one small step forward, turn your back to them and say “Peekaboo!”

If they run forward and take their position, celebrate as though they have just won an international peekaboo championship. If they move before the cue, calmly reset and try again with a shorter wait or less distance.

Don’t scold them. Waiting while a human walks away is difficult—especially when that human has treats and a history of questionable decisions.

Step 5: Build the Distance

Gradually increase the distance one step at a time. Your pup should remain seated until they hear the cue, then run up, pass between your legs and stop to look at you.

If the trick begins falling apart, you have probably increased the distance too quickly. Move closer and practise where your pup was last successful. Training is not a race—unless you’re racing Cricket, in which case you’ve already lost.

Once your pup can perform reliably from about ten feet away, practise in different rooms and then outdoors in a safely enclosed area. New locations add distractions, so temporarily shorten the distance and use especially good treats.

Soon, your pup will be waiting patiently, racing toward you on cue and popping into position like a furry little professional.

And when everyone applauds, remember who deserves the credit.

The dog.

Obviously.

The Peekaboo Problem

by Kevin

Biscuit recently decided we should all learn new tricks because, according to her, “A dog with marketable skills will never go hungry.” I don’t know what marketable means, but I heard hungry, so I signed up.

The trick was called “Peekaboo.” Daddy would stand with his back to us and his legs apart. We were supposed to wait several feet away. When he called “Peekaboo!” we would run up, pop our heads between his legs and look at him.

I was very good at running and popping up. The waiting part seemed unnecessary.

“Remember, Kev,” Biscuit said. “You only go when Daddy gives the signal.”

“What thignal?”

“Peekaboo.”

“Peekaboo!” I shouted, running between her legs.

Biscuit fell over and decided I should practise with Daddy instead.

My first unscheduled peekaboo happened while Daddy was folding laundry. I raced across the bedroom and appeared between his legs. Three towels landed on my head, which I assumed was the reward.

Then came what Biscuit called “The Sandwich Incident.”

Daddy was standing at the kitchen counter holding a slice of cheese. I was about ten feet behind him—the official peekaboo distance. He had not said the cue, but I believed the cheese was signalling me privately.

I ran.

Daddy turned around just as I reached him. I shot between his legs, he spun sideways and the cheese flew into the air.

I caught it before it hit the floor.

Biscuit called it the greatest trick she had ever seen. Cricket called it predictable. Daddy called for a new family rule.

Now I am only allowed to perform Peekaboo when someone asks. Biscuit explained that doing a trick properly means listening for the cue—not launching yourself between somebody’s legs whenever food appears.

I learned that enthusiasm is good, practice is important and listening is part of every trick.

I also learned that if you accidentally create a Sandwich Incident, always stand underneath the cheese.

—Kevin— Biscuit ✔️

If you want to see Biscuit apply this level of confidence to business, here’s one of her latest video.

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