Q: What is the main trick for a dog to start with?

A: Any dog can play dead. Easiest thing to do. Doesn't involve much more than lying there, still as a rock, not moving a muscle or making a sound.

While you were on vacation, I taught your dog how to play dead. He didn't take to it at first. Couldn't focus. He just wanted to run. And play. And eat.

He loved to eat.  Only thing he cared about.

Once I took that food away, he got real focused, real quick. Pretty soon, he was playing dead at the drop of a hat. Then, all morning and all afternoon. Now, it's all he does.

Yup, your dog mastered the art of playing dead. And drawing flies. I can't take credit for that one. He picked that up on his own.