Dog-training expert and author Sarah Hodgson explains how to teach your dog some tricks, now that you've laid the foundations of basic training. Roll Over Not all dogs are predisposed to the "roll over" command. If your dog sleeps on her side and comfortably rolls onto her back for play or scratching, she can probably learn this trick. Get down on the floor, sitting or kneeling in front of her. Put her on a finger lead -- a very short leash used for maximum control during trick training (figure A) -- and get your treats ready. Holding a treat, take it from one side of her face, and slowly bring it around her ear. As she follows the treat around (figure B), encourage her to lean through the roll. Reward her, but wait to give the treat until she has completed the exercise. Soon you'll be able to draw a moon shape in the air, and she will roll over in response. Praise and reward her even if she falls out of the roll or doesn't complete it.
Saying Prayers Sit comfortably in a position that enables you to have your dog's paws on your leg (figure C). Command him to "stay," and reward and praise him with each successful step. Next, holding a treat, put your hand under your leg while giving the command "say your prayers." With his paws firmly on your leg, he should put his head down between his paws in an attempt to get the treat you're holding under your leg -- and he'll look as though he's "saying his prayers" (figure D).
Paw Sit on the floor with your dog. Place your closed hand parallel to the floor, and give the command "paw." The second your dog's paw touches your hand (figure E), reward and praise her. If the dog doesn't give you her paw, gently but firmly place one finger on the muscle at the top of her leg (figure F). The pressure will make her lift her paw.
High Five After teaching "paw," simply turn your hand upward to a high-five position, saying "high five" as you encourage your dog to follow your hand. When he does, immediately reward him (figure G).
Waving When your dog has mastered "high five," introduce "wave" by waving your hand in front of her until she tries to high-five your hand and misses. The result is "waving" and should be immediately encouraged (figure H).
Splat or Sad Dog While sitting on the floor, start your dog in the "down" position. With a food lure in your hand, encourage him to put his head down on the floor. Gently press behind his ears to get his head all the way down (figure I), while giving the command "splat." Hold for three seconds, then release with an "okay" command. Immediately reward your dog. Each time you do this, use less and less pressure until you have to do nothing but give the command "splat."
Speak Teaching your dog to bark on command (figure J) is fun and also gives you an opportunity to teach the opposite command -- "be quiet" or "shh." Sit in front of your dog and say "speak" as you splay your fingers toward your dog's face and quickly bring your hand back (figure K). Reward the desired behavior with a treat.
Jumping When you introduce any new object that you want your dog to jump over or through, begin by letting her sniff it. Clear an approach area from which she can begin the trick, and when she jumps, say "over" in a clear, crisp voice. For the first few days you should jump over the object with her (figure L). Practice this behavior about 10 times per session, and eventually she will jump over the object upon your giving the "over" command.
For More Information Cover all the basics of dog training with these episodes of DIY Dogs:
101: Puppy Training
102: Foundation Commands
103: Tricky Bits
104: Solving Doggie Dilemmas
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Choosing, Training and Raising a Dog
Author: Sarah Hodgson
Unfortunately, this book is currently out of print. Please check your local library or used bookstore for a copy.
Macmillan / Alpha Books
Website: www.macmillan.com
Sarah Hodgson
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