Teaching your dog new tricks is a rewarding experience for both of you. It strengthens your bond, provides mental stimulation, and can even be useful in everyday situations. This guide explores some of the coolest and most popular tricks you can teach your canine companion, ranging from basic commands to more advanced feats. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement, like treats and praise, are key to success. For those times when you need an extra hand, a professional pet sitter can also help reinforce these learned behaviors.
Basic yet Essential: The “Sit” Command
The “sit” command is fundamental in dog training. It’s not just about making your dog look obedient; it serves multiple purposes. When your dog sits, they understand they need to remain in that position until given a new command. This is incredibly useful for managing your dog’s energy when you’re busy or need them to stay put. Outdoors, a reliable “sit” can prevent your dog from running into dangerous situations. To teach this, gently guide your dog into a sit position while saying the command, and reward them immediately when they comply.
Advanced Skills for the Clever Canine
Open and Close a Door
This trick requires careful consideration to ensure safety. Only teach this if you are confident your dog won’t misuse this skill to escape. For larger breeds, be mindful of potential scratch marks on the door; consider attaching a rope or toy to the handle to guide them. Ensure it’s a lever-handled door for easier manipulation. The process involves encouraging your dog to tug on the attached rope or toy, rewarding them for success. Once they understand how to open it, you can progress to teaching them how to close it, perhaps by holding a treat near the handle.
Play Hide & Seek
A fun game that taps into your dog’s natural curiosity. Start by having your dog sit and stay while you move a short distance away. Call them to you with a “COME!” command and reward them upon arrival. Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding in more challenging spots, eventually out of their sight. The joy on their face when they find you is a fantastic reward in itself.
Play Soccer
Dogs have a natural inclination for games involving balls. Soccer is an excellent choice for interactive play. Choose a soccer ball that is slightly larger than your dog’s mouth to prevent swallowing and encourage them to push it with their nose or paws rather than carrying it. Ensure you’re in an open, distraction-free area. Introduce the ball by letting them sniff it and rewarding any interaction. Gently roll the ball towards them to encourage play. As they get the hang of it, start kicking the ball yourself and encourage them to dribble it back. Consistent praise and treats will reinforce their good play.
Water Fetch
This is an ideal game for dogs who enjoy water, especially near beaches or pools. Before playing water fetch, ensure your dog is comfortable swimming. For breeds less accustomed to water, consider a doggy life jacket. Start by getting into the water yourself to encourage your dog to join you, using a floating toy as a lure. Reward them for fetching the toy from the water.
Sing Along
Many dogs naturally vocalize when music is playing. To encourage this, expose your dog to various music genres to find their preference. Once discovered, play that music and encourage them to “sing” along with you. This trick can be particularly entertaining, but be mindful of your living situation, especially if you have close neighbors.
High-Five
This trick is surprisingly easy to teach. Have your dog sit, then hold a treat slightly out of reach while saying “high five.” Gently tap one of their paws. Most dogs will naturally lift a paw towards the treat. As they do, high-five their paw and immediately give them the treat.
Kiss
Teaching a gentle kiss, distinct from an overly slobbery lick, requires precision. Offer your cheek while saying “kiss,” and as your dog approaches, offer a treat just as their nose touches your cheek. This teaches them that a gentle nose touch is what earns the reward. Avoid this trick if your dog tends to get overly excited or nippy.
Handstand
This is a more advanced trick that requires building your dog’s muscle strength and balance. Start by having your dog stand with their hind legs elevated on a stable object like a stack of books, near a wall. This helps them get used to the position. Gradually encourage them to place their hind legs on the wall, and then to move forward slightly away from it, providing support as they develop their balance.
Play the Piano
This trick is more about associating the piano with positive reinforcement. Start by placing the piano where your dog can easily access it. Reward any sign of interest they show towards the piano, such as sniffing it. Eventually, they will likely press the keys with their paws, especially if they learn that this action leads to treats.
Say a Prayer
This trick involves teaching your dog to rest their paws on your forearm while their head is lowered. Start by teaching a reliable “paw” command. Then, guide their paws onto your forearm and slowly lower a treat from their nose, moving it under your arm, encouraging them to follow with their head.
Army Crawl
Begin with a “lie down” command. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, allowing them to smell it but not take it. Slowly drag the treat along the floor, encouraging them to crawl while keeping their head down. Gradually increase the distance they need to crawl.
Salute
Have your dog sit. Place a small piece of tape just above their eye. When they lift a paw to remove the tape, give them a treat. With repetition, they should begin to lift their paw in a saluting motion on command, even without the tape.
Using the Loo
This is a complex trick that involves potty training to a litter box and eventually to the toilet. Start by associating a command with potty breaks. Introduce a litter box, and once successful, gradually move the box onto the toilet seat. The final stage involves removing the box altogether, so your dog understands to use the toilet directly.
Skateboarding
This trick is best suited for smaller breeds. Introduce the skateboard by placing it upside down for inspection. Then, flip it over and roll it gently away from them. Encourage them to interact with it, and eventually, they may jump on. Always be present to provide balance and support.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog tricks requires patience, consistency, and a good supply of treats. The journey of learning new skills together is incredibly rewarding, strengthening the bond between you and your canine companion. Remember to celebrate every small success, and don’t be afraid to seek help from professional trainers or pet sitters if needed. Engaging your dog in these fun activities not only provides mental and physical stimulation but also deepens your relationship.
