What types of tricks can I train my dog to do?
19th July, 2019
Teaching your dog to do tricks and commands is one of the best bonding experiences you can have with your pet.
As the RSCPA tells us, good training can improve a pup’s quality of life. Taking your pup to puppy training classes could be one key way in achieving this.
It can also keep you both active, beat boredom and give you greater control over your pet’s safety when you’re out and about on walkies.
Mastering the basics commands
Before you get on to teaching your puppy (or old dog!) new tricks, you’ll need to get the basics nailed down. Remember, even these basic commands are like tricks to your pooch, even though they will be taught primarily for their own safety.
Having a good grasp of the basic commands means you’ll have a canine that is calmer, happier and well behaved, as the Blue Cross explains.
Reward is the key motivator for your dog. If it gets rewarded for a certain action, it’s much more likely to repeat it – and this positive reinforcement with a treat or affection is the quickest way your dog will learn any new trick or skill.
Some of the basic commands every responsible dog owner should teach their dog include:
Sit – Crucial for when you’re out walking with your dog and you need it to wait on the pavement before crossing. It’s also better for your dog to sit when they meet new people, rather than jumping up, especially when being introduced to children.
Stay – This essential command will help keep your dog out of trouble, either keeping them away from other dogs or stopping them from running into traffic. Stay is best taught when your dog is hungry so they really understand the positive reinforcement of the treat when they’ve managed to stay still.
Come – You must be able to call your dog back to you when you’re out and about, and that means mastering the Come command. Expert dog trainer and author Brandon McMillan says that teaching a dog to come to you is easiest after they’ve mastered the skill to stay, so always teach these commands in that order.
No – To be used whenever you want your dog to drop something or be warned away from danger. This should make them stop whatever they’re doing immediately.
Off – If you don’t want your furniture ruined by your dog, Off is a key command to have at your disposal. McMillan recommends turning your back on your dog when they jump up to ensure you’re not giving the bad behaviour any attention.
Heel – Walking with your dog should be a pleasure not a chore, so the Heel command is definitely one to practice, especially if you have a large or boisterous pup that is hard to control in public.
4 fun tricks to teach your dog
Once you’ve got the basic commands under your belt, it’s time to have some fun!
Teaching your dog some simple tricks is not only fun for you, but it also helps with their mental agility – and of course they get rewarded with a sweet treat when they get it right!
Shaking hands
Shaking hands (or paws) is the perfectly polite way to greet friends and family and shouldn’t take very long to master if you practice for about five minutes every day. As with most tricks, you need to use a treat as positive reinforcement.
Show your pup the treat in your hand, then close your fist and place it next to your dog’s paw just a few inches off the ground. When he lifts his paw to touch your hand with the treat inside, reward him and catch his paw with your other hand.
Repeat the process, rewarding as you go, adding in the word ‘Shake’ later on as you take his paw. Keep repeating the process until you can eventually do it without any treats.
Waving
Imagine your partner coming home from work and being greeted with a little waving puppy in the window! The waving trick is relatively easy to teach with the positive reinforcement method using your pooch’s favourite toy or treat.
Check out this video from the RSPCA that shows you exactly how to master this trick, step by step.
Play dead
Learning the ‘lie down’ command beforehand will help your dog learn the ‘play dead’ trick. As The Spruce Pets explains, you should hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and then move it to the side so he has to roll over to get it.
Reward and repeat as necessary, adding in a fun word like ‘bang!’ when your dog has got the hang of it.
Take a bow
This trick is actually something dogs will do naturally. When they stretch, dogs tend to go into the ‘downward dog’ position, so all you need to do is say ‘take a bow!’ and then reinforce the behaviour with a treat when you see them doing it.
Eventually, you should be able to say the words without the treat and your dog should bow on command.
Find the phone
If you regularly misplace your phone, this trick could be a real timesaver – if you think your pooch is gentle enough! Make sure you protect the phone with some sort of cover before introducing it to your dog.
Place it a few inches away from you, but in plain sight, and ask him to fetch, saying ‘yes’ as positive reinforcement the closer he gets. When the dog touches the phone, acknowledge the action with the words ‘find the phone’ and then reward the dog when he brings it back.
Repeat the game moving the phone further and further away each time.
Dog insurance
All the training in the world can’t protect your dog from accidents or ill health and that’s where dog insurance cover comes in.
Visit Purely Pets today and we can provide dog insurance quotes quickly and easily, helping you to find the best cover for your budget and circumstances.
We offer three levels of cover – accident only, 12-month and lifetime protection – so you can choose the one that suits you and your dog best.
Not only will you have access to a 24-hour vet helpline, you’ll also be able to see your policy documents online, giving you the flexibility to manage your documents as and when it suits you.
What’s the secret to finding quality dog insurance? There’s no trick, just visit Purely Pets today!
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular dog trick?
The most popular dog trick is arguably "sit." This fundamental command serves as the foundation for more complex tricks and behaviours. "Sit" is often the first trick taught to puppies because it is straightforward and essential for instilling discipline.
It helps in managing the dog's behaviour during various situations, such as feeding, greeting guests, or crossing the street. Mastery of this simple yet crucial command can significantly enhance the relationship between the dog and its owner, promoting mutual respect and effective communication.
Can cats be trained to do tricks like dogs?
Cats, known for their independence and distinct personalities, can indeed be trained to perform tricks, although the process differs significantly from training dogs.
While dogs often respond well to commands due to their pack mentality and desire to please, cats require a different approach that leverages their natural curiosity and love for rewards.
Positive reinforcement techniques, such as using treats and clickers, can be effective in teaching cats simple tricks like sitting, high-fiving, or even jumping through hoops. Patience and consistency are key, as cats may take longer to learn and perform tricks compared to their canine counterparts.
What is the hardest trick for a dog to learn?
Training a dog can be a rewarding experience; however, some tricks are particularly challenging for our canine companions. Among the most difficult is teaching a dog to "play dead".
This dog trick requires your canine companion to understand and execute a series of complex commands, combining both physical and mental discipline. The dog must not only lie down but also remain completely still, often for an extended period.
This level of control and patience can be difficult for many dogs to master, making "play dead" one of the hardest tricks for a dog to learn.
How long should my training sessions be for my dog?
The duration of dog trick training sessions should be optimised for effectiveness and to maintain the animal's attention without causing fatigue or disinterest.
For most dogs, it is advisable to conduct short sessions ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the dog's age, breed, and attention span. Young puppies, for example, usually benefit keeping training sessions short due to their limited focus.
Conversely, adult dogs may handle slightly longer durations. The key is to observe your dog's behaviour and adjust accordingly. Ensuring training sessions are engaging and end on a positive note can significantly enhance learning and retention.
Can all dogs learn tricks?
The capacity to learn impressive dog tricks varies widely across breeds, ages, and individual temperament. However, it is widely recognised within the canine training community that nearly all dogs possess the potential to learn at least basic commands and tricks.
The key to success lies in the approach taken; positive reinforcement, patience, and consistency are pivotal. Factors such as the dog's breed can influence their aptitude for learning specific types of tricks, with some breeds demonstrating a higher propensity for cognitive tasks.
However, with the right training methods, even dogs considered less trainable can learn tricks, underscoring the importance of tailored training strategies that cater to the individual dog's learning style.
How frequent should my dog training sessions be?
The frequency of dog training sessions should be balanced to ensure effective learning and retention without overwhelming your pet. Ideally, training sessions should be held daily, lasting between 5 to 15 minutes each.
Over-training can lead to fatigue and disinterest, so short, consistent sessions are more beneficial than infrequent, lengthy ones. Regular breaks and positive reinforcement will also contribute to a more enjoyable and productive training experience.
What basic training can I give my puppy?
Basic training for your puppy is essential to ensure they grow into well-behaved and obedient dogs. Start with house training, teaching your puppy where and when to relieve themselves.
Socialisation is also essential; expose your puppy to various environments, people, and other animals to foster confidence and adaptability.
Crate training can help in creating a safe space for your puppy while also aiding in house training. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key elements in successful puppy training.
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