So, how do I go about teaching a dog tricks?

Dog tricks seem to go down well with all concerned. Owners seem to like the idea that their dog is super intelligent, and under their control. And the dog likes to have fun, seems to enjoy learning, but best of all likes the rewards.

So here's three easy dog tricks to teach your puppy once he has thoroughly learnt the five basics of puppy training as laid out on the teaching a puppy to sit page.

Shaking hands- the paw command.

  1. Get your puppy to sit, allow her to know that you have a treat in the palm of one hand.
  2. Hold the treat directly in her line of vision. Then issue the command "paw" or "shake hands" Simultaneously take her paw in to your free hand, and lightly shake it.
  3. Praise her and treat her. Repeat until she understands and is freely offering to shake your hand.

Wave or High Five .

  1. Get your puppy to sit, allow her to know that you have a treat in the palm of one hand.
  2. Issue the command "paw" or "shake hands" . Except this time move your hand slightly back so your pup has to extend her paw, and is waving it in the air to connect with your hand.
  3. Raise your hand slightly, and hold it for a few seconds. Simultaneously issue the "wave" or "give me five" command.
  4. Praise her and treat her. Repeat until she understands the higher she raises her paw, the sooner she gets the treat and praise.
Dog Tricks or dog agility?

Beg or be a bear

  1. Get your puppy to sit, allow her to know that you have a treat in the palm of one hand.
  2. Hold the treat hand just above your pup's head. As soon as she moves one of her paws off the floor in an effort to raise herself to reach the treat, issue the "beg" or "be a bear" command. Then treat her and praise her.
  3. Repeat the exercise, but now delay until both paws are off the floor. And then get more height to it , by raising the treat slightly higher each time.

If you enjoy teaching your dog tricks and your dog enjoys performing them then you should seriously consider taking up dog agility training. It can really bring a shy dog out of its shell, and teach an assertive dog to chill out.

Although some breeds, such as the collie, seem to be more in evidence than others, all dogs are welcome. Your dog needs to have thoroughly learnt basic puppy obedience, be responsive to commands, and physically and mentally able to carry out the exercises. Give it a go-- it can be great fun for your dog and yourself, and don't forget the the kids!

Teaching a puppy to sit is just one segment of our puppy-training guide.....

A trick a dog has taught herself!

So why not find out all about teaching a puppy obedience training.
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