that is probably my ALL TIME favorite doggy video. it's been around a while but this is the first time i've seen a really good close-up. thanks for sharing!!
Food is an excellent motivator for many dogs. If your dog is sitting up to beg you have a great foundation to work from. Other dogs, like my Peanut, prefer play. Once you have a dog's focus it becomes much easier to teach them.
Young dogs, old dogs, big dogs, little dogs, dogs of any breed or mix can learn this way. It does take time and patience, but all you are watching in that video is a smooth sequence of behaviors that were reinforced, proofed and eventually put together.