Hey Nicky et al, just an update...

Other half decided against speak as we have been quite lucky so far in that Paddy hardly barks (or should that be, the neighbours have been quite lucky so far). Other half decided that it might be unwise to encourage Paddy to find his voice.

I tried beg/sit pretty, but the lack of tail is a serious flaw. Beg/Sit pretty very quickly became 'sit for a second then roll backwards on your back' LOL.

Say your prayers is done now...although only on my arm. He performs it brilliantly, but I'd like to be able to get him to do it on a sofa or chair. The problem is that he puts his paws too far forward when I try it on a chair, so doesn't leave enough of a gap for his head to "bow down" in between. Any tips?

Point taken James! Yesterday I began going through all of his 'routines' without the treats and just lots of attention from me as his reward!
We also tried a new puppy class on Wednesday night, and we were only allowed to use treats for Ringcraft. The obedience side of things had to be done sans treats.
The trainer said, "If your dog is in a dangerous situation, you cannot feasibly rush home for a tin of hot-dogs before you take action!", and I thought of you! Thanks for the tips!

well done i have been teaching roxy to roll over and it only took her a week now trying to teach her more tricks she loves learning but she is not very good on recall

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aww love the video so cute and really clever only 4mths

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The praise as reward is far healther i think, is just a matter of you getting them to do something because you ask and not because your a feed machine. My thinking is they could well walk off with anyone offering food though if you have command over them they will follow you; food or not.
To be honest once they realise your happy with them - the praise you give is intermittant. Praise initially given for a sit after a while will be given for a sit, stay, come, round and sit again - if you know what I mean

He's such a clever boy hehe, fantastic work you've done! You have one bright dog, and he's stunning too

We only taught put your paws on our arm first then transferred that to the sofa/chair. Try encouraging him to walk backwards a bit before he puts his paws down and then hold the treat under his arms to encourage him to bow his head. Beg/sit pretty try standing behind him and allowing him to lean on you while he finds his balance it takes a while with bigger dogs. You could try balance a treat on your nose and then catch it next good for patience and control. Put a treat on his nose while holding it straight and tell him to wait. Let go and encourage him to catch the treat.

ive never understood all the ticks stuff for dogs - but its good on britains got tallent definitely