Obedience training tends to be serious stuff; you tell your dog to stay or come and want her to respond appropriately. Although necessary, training doesn't have to be so serious all the time. In fact, if you can keep it fun, you and your dog will enjoy it more and your dog will respond more eagerly. Trick training teaches and entertains at the same time.
You can use tricks in many different situations: interspersed between more serious commands to break up an obedience training session; during therapy dog visits to make others laugh and smile; while visiting with neighborhood kids, who can learn how to cue your dog's tricks so they get a chance to "train" the dog. Sometimes I have my dog do tricks for our own amusement because when they do their tricks, I laugh and praise them, and they enjoy it, too!
Shake Hands. Have your dog sit in front of you and ask her to "Shake" as you reach behind one front paw and tickle her leg in the hollow just behind the paw. When your pooch lifts its paw to escape the tickle, shake the paw as you say "Good to shake!" and give her a treat. When your dog lifts her paw on her own, stop tickling. Eventually your pet will lift her paw as you reach toward it. When that happens, offer enthusiastic praise.
Wave. After your dog learns to shake hands reliably, say "Shake. Wave!" and instead of shaking the paw, just lightly touch your hand under the paw and move your hand away so your dog continues to reach for your hand. As she reaches for...
Author: Liz Palika
Copyright 2009 BowTie Inc.
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