Dog Tricks
Posted on September 17th, 2010 Written by +Brian Benson Email Author
How to Motivate Your Dogs While Having Fun With Them
Owning a dog is one life’s best blessings. Dogs makes you feel safe knowing that someone looks after you and your property while giving you joys beyond words. Before owning one, you must be ready to be a responsible pet owner. It is important to consider the needs of your dogs and teaching him dog tricks is one way of doing this.
With research, you will learn of using positive techniques to create a friendly relationship between you and your dog. These techniques will help you understand your dog’s needs while training him to follow orders and correct behavior problems innate to your canine pets. Find out ways to help you create a lasting relationship with your dogs by teaching them tricks that are fun and beneficial for both of you. Read on and learn the most motivating and empowering dog training tricks you can teach your beloved pets.
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The Benefits of Teaching Dog Tricks
It Teaches Obedience
Have you ever wonder how dogs learn how to follow orders? That’s what dog training tricks are for. They train them how to learn to do things and follow instructions. Having manners that are acceptable when you’re in public or with other people or even when they’re alone in the house is very important as they are our constant companions in and outside our homes. Obedience can be taught while having fun by teaching him new tricks!
It’s Very Health
Needless to say, these tricks are good exercise for our dear pets as they are as much physical as mental. They are taught how to move around and let out of their energy the right way. In the same way, they teach the owners how to manage their pets behavior problems.
It’s Fun!
Dog tricks more than anything is a lot of fun! While they keep our dogs energetic and alert, they give us opportunities to have fun and play with our pets. Quality time is spent when we know that we are teaching them new things to learn.
Effectively Teaching Dog Training Tricks
- Make It Fun for Them – Don’t forget that you’re doing this to have fun with your pet, so make it as much fun for them as possible. Think of different tricks that make use of varried materials and challenging rules. Stimulate your canine friend by making him do special tricks and never forget to give him small treats. Pat him on his back or rub his tummy or say acknowledging praises to reward him and to make him feel that you are pleased of a job well done. Your dogs love to make you happy.
- Do Not Bore Him – Remember that your dog needs stimulation and he easily gets bored if you give him the same tricks over and over. Practice new training methods everyday.
- Be Patient – Our dogs may be very frustrating sometimes especially when they don’t listen to us. Remembering what were mentioned above will help you think of a good trick for your pet to make your life a lot easier. Start with easy tricks first and slowly go on with the more difficult ones once your dog gets the hang of the training. Always be patient when your pet gets distracted and would seem to rather do something else. As these tricks may ask you to do repetitions, be kind to him if he does not get it the first few times. Your patience will all pay off when you see your dog do things at your command.
How To Teach Your Puppy Tricks
The earlier you teach your dogs tricks, the better and easier it is to teach your beloved pet. Read on and learn how to begin with easy dog tricks with your puppy.
Easy Dog Tricks to Teach Your Puppy
Starting out with the easy tricks will give your puppy an easy time learning and getting used to following instructions or commands from you. Although it may be a challenge at first, it is important to prepare puppy treats and reward your puppy with praises when he complies. It would also be good to use a leash to help you manage his movements.
“Sit”
- Prepare puppy treats such as puppy food that he can easily chew. You will need this to reward him by doing the trick as you command.
- Hold out the food from a distance enough for him to smell it but not actually eat it. Then say “sit” firmly while showing him how to do it.
- Place your arm gently on the back of your puppy’s knees to help him to sit or nudge gently his back end towards the ground around your puppy’s hip area. Careful not to push his back and pull on his leash gently to get him to an upright position.
- Once your puppy sits, lavish him with “good sit!” praise and give him dog treats to boost his confidence and reinforce him to remember the stunt.
- Repeatedly say “sit” as much as possible to associate the command with him getting treats and praises. Stop giving dog treats eventually once your puppy has become comfortable with sitting and following your sit command.
- Prepare puppy treats that your puppy may chew easily as we do not want to have our pets spend too much time on trying to munch food as we need to do repetitions.
- As he has learned how to sit on command, have him sit down. Hold the puppy treat under his chest without having him to actually reach it with his mouth to allow him to lie down to reach the treat.
- In a clear and firm voice, say “lie” or “lie down” or “down”.
- If it would help, place the treat on the floor. Do repetitions of the command until your puppy complies upon prompting.
- Always end with a lavish praise of “good down” when he follows.
- When you see that your puppy has gotten comfortable in lying down at command, cease giving him treats.
- You will need help from another person to teach this trick to your puppy. Command your puppy to sit and have the other person hold your pet by its collar.
- In heel position, stand in front of your puppy, his your shoulder and head on the same line with your shoulder, hip and leg.
- Place your hand on your puppy’s face about 3 to 5 inches away and say firmly “stay”.
- Walk away for about 6 feet and turn around to face your puppy. You may build up distance for a few seconds.
- Try to start walking around your puppy’s left then right side, ending in a heel position while repeating the command.
- When the puppy finally gets the instruction, praise him and give him treats. If you see that your pet has gotten the hang of this trick, let the other person loosen the grip on his collar and eventually let go and repeat the process.
- Try repeating all the dog tricks starting with “sit”, “lie down” and “stay” to help him recall the commands.
Trick and Tips: If your pet does not get the trick the first few times, do not get angry and be frustrated at him. Remember that it’s a new thing for your puppy and sounding mad will just scare him and make him feel reluctant to do harder and complicated commands. Knowing how to teach a dog tricks takes time. Continue to use positive reinforcements and rewards. Before you know it, your puppy will be sitting, lying down and staying at your command anywhere, anytime.
Other Dog Tricks to Teach Your Puppy
Now that your pet has learned the basics, it is now time to try harder ones. He is now ready to be taught more complicated commands such as the ones below:
“Bow and Stretch”
This is similar to what you see when your pet gets up from naps and stretches. He would have his front legs stretched and ends up in a bowing position. You can actually teach your puppy this trick.
- Let your puppy stand on his four legs and place your hand gently on his back, close to his neck, while your other hand under your puppy’s rear legs.
- Say firmly “bow” while pushing. Your puppy may feel awkward and uncomfortable at first but do repetitions while repeating the commands.
- Always remember to give your pet treats and be generous with praises for him to easily remember the command.
Trick and Tips: This is one of the perfect tricks to teach your dog if your endearment includes gently fighting playfully with your puppy, you may use this command and train him to bow before he gets too rough.
“Shake Hands”
This trick is one of the cutest tricks ever as shaking hands is a universal sign of friendship, seeing an animal shake the hand of its owner is such an endearing scene.
- You may start by saying “shake hands” while you take your puppy’s paw with your hand. Say “shake hand” again.
- Let go of his paw and take it again and say “shake hands”. Say “good puppy” and repeat the same process. Remember to do this a few times each day.
- Reward your pet each time he complies and eventually cease rewarding with treats but replace them with praises each time.
Trick and Tips: After repetitions, try not to take his paw and say “shake hand”. Check if your puppy raises his paw by himself. If he’s not doing it, with your hand, keep taking his paw and saying “shake hand”. Remember, he is not slow, he is only starting to learn. Be kind to him.
“Turn Around”
Nothing’s funnier than seeing your puppy turn his head to the right or left at your command. Don’t you just love it when your puppy actually knows which is left and right! It’s actually easy to learn how to teach your dog tricks like this one.
- Let your puppy stand on his four feet, facing you.
- Hold the treat out for your puppy to see it but not actually eat it.
- Say “turn around” while standing still and leading your puppy’s nose around clockwise so that he is turning around in circles.
- When he’s back to the first position where he was facing you, say “good puppy” and grant him the puppy treat.
Trick and Tips: After repetitions and if you see that your puppy’s comfortable with the command, say “turn around” without leading his nose to turn in circles. If he complies, then he gets the treat. Don’t be frustrated, your patience will pay off soon as you will see him turning around faster than you could say his name. When he’s ready, you may try the “turn left” or “turn right” tricks. Remember to consistently give him positive rewards and praises each time he gets the commands right.
“Play Dead”
Seeing your puppy “play dead” at your command helps especially when he starts to get rough at play or he becomes fussy. It teaches him to behave and be obedient.
- Say “down” and have him lie on his tummy on the floor. Gently roll your puppy over on his side while saying “play dead”. Keep his head to the floor and say “play dead”.
- Don’t give the puppy any treats yet. Let him stay as is for some seconds then say “ok, stand!” Let him do as told and grant him his treat with verbal praise.
- Do this repeatedly until he gets the trick.
Trick and Tips: Remember not to give him any reward while he is lying on the floor. He has to learn to stand at command “stand”. He is to complete the trick before he gets puppy treats.
Teaching your canine friends dog tricks is a meaningful and worthwhile activity for both you and your pet. It not only trains them to be obedient to your instructions but also helps them to be healthy and alert. Try not to punish your pets for doing the tricks wrong. A firm “no!” is enough. Respect your dog’s pace and remember, positive reinforcements always work! Keep everything fun and he is sure to love, respect and obey you even more.
