Dog-training expert and author Sarah Hodgson explains how to teach your dog tricks -- and some useful commands. Teaching Six Dog Tricks Dance If your dog tends to jump on you or others, teach her to dance instead. Prepare a cup filled with your dog's favorite treats, and place her on the floor. Put a few treats in your hand, hold your arm out from your body, and ask your dog to dance. Give her a treat when she's up in the air (figure A). Gradually extend the time she's up before rewarding her with a treat. Soon your dog will be dancing for visitors instead of scratching their legs.
Paw Kneel in front of your dog, and press your right thumb gently on the muscles of his shoulder (figure B). This is a pressure point on your dog, and he'll lift his paw in response. As his paw lifts, say "paw," and immediately praise and reward your dog. Repeat this lesson two or three times a day until your dog becomes comfortable with the command (figure C).
High Five Signal your dog with an open palm to give you his paw. Once he's gotten that down, begin to turn your hand, using the same open palm, and say "paw five." Continue turning your hand, and start to say "high five," praising and rewarding at each small success. Practice until your dog recognizes that when you say "high five" and hold your hand up (figure D), he is to slap your hand with his paw.
"Ask Nicely" The "ask nicely" command is also known as "beg," and the goal is for your dog to balance on his hind legs. Avoid this command if your dog is a breed with a long spine, such as a dachshund or a bassett hound: it isn't good for these dogs' back. Begin by standing behind your dog. Place your feet in a V position with your knees together, and bring your dog up, resting him against the front of your legs (figure E). Scratch his belly and feed him treats until you can tell he's comfortable and his feet are gripping the floor. Teach this trick on carpeting, not a slippery floor. Bring the treat right above his nose, and as you do, say "Ask nicely." Give him treats, gradually extending the time he stays on his hind paws (figure F).
Roll Over Not all dogs are predisposed to the "roll over" command. If your dog sleeps on his side and comfortably rolls onto his back for play or scratching, he can probably learn this trick. Holding one of your dog's favorite treats, take the treat from one side of his face and slowly bring it around his ear (figure G). As he follows the treat around, encourage your dog to lean through the roll (figure H). Reward him, but wait to give the treat until he has completed the exercise. Soon you'll be able to draw a moon shape in the air, and your dog will roll over in response.
The Nap Teaching your dog "the nap" or "play dead" is fairly easy. Practice when she's already tired, and incorporate the "stay" command. Scratch your dog's side until she's resting, and as she rests, pet her head gently until it rests on the floor. Then rest one or two fingers on the side of your dog's cheek, and say "stay, nap." As you give the command, pause for three seconds, then release your dog with "okay," and give her a treat. Gradually increase the time she's playing dead while you graduate from a kneeling to a standing position, and soon you'll have your dog napping on command. Additional Commands and Tips Head Down If your dog likes to jump at people and ends up knocking heads with them this command is for you. When your dog tries to get your attention this way, you must ignore him. Set aside time to teach this new command. Sit in your favorite chair, and calmly encourage your dog to put his head in your lap. If necessary, scratch his head to get him to stay, say "Stay," wait three seconds, and give him a treat for staying. Practice "Head down, stay, good dog" until your pet has mastered a new way to greet and interact with you (figure I).
Kid Control Help your children learn to communicate effectively with your dog by over-enunciating your commands. Your children mimic you and will be more successful with the dog if they use the right tone of voice and the right commands. Don't play confrontational games, such as tug of war, with your dog in front of the children: it will encourage the children to be confrontational with the dog. Teach your dog to respect your children and their space. Put the dog on a leash while the kids play or eat, and when the dog goes for the children, say "No, wait." Finally, stay positive for the sake of both the dog and the children. This will teach mutual respect, and ultimately you'll lay the groundwork for an ideal relationship between the children and the dog (figure J).
Off-Lead Training When you want to try off-lead training, choose a safe place: never work your dog near a road. Use a long lead, around 25'. Put a couple of knots in the leash to create grabbing and stepping points. Take your dog to an open field, and get him accustomed to the "wait" command (described below). When he is used to it, introduce the "come" command (see the paragraphs below). Begin teaching "wait" at about 6', and work to 10', then 20'. Let your dog run away from you, give the command "wait," and step on the leash at the appropriate distance (figure K). This will help your dog associate "wait" with stopping. Use the dog's name in a consistently positive manner so he will associate his name with wanting to come to you. Use "come" to release your dog to come and join you.
Come Teach "come" when the dog is already near so that eventually when she's away and you say "come," she'll want to run to you. Have a treat cup ready to reinforce the "come" command. Say "come," and sweep your arm forward as you call your dog. When she responds, reward her with a treat and lots of praise. After your dog is comfortable at short distances, use your leash and practice the "come" command. Position yourself at least 6' away from your dog and as you say "come," run backward. Praise and reward the dog for coming to your feet and looking up at you. Structured Stay To teach the structured stay, toss the line out, and back away from your dog, repeating a firm "stay" every few feet, especially if his attention begins to wander. Don't call your dog to you after he successfully stays. Instead, return to him to encourage the "stay" command (figure L). About every 10th time, call him to you and praise him generously. This will eventually teach your dog to "stay" in any situation and could save his life if he's running in harm's way.
For More Information Cover all the basics of dog training with these episodes of DIY Dogs:
101: Puppy Training
102: Foundation Commands
104: Solving Doggie Dilemmas
105: Building Blocks
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
| ALSO IN THIS EPISODE: | | Tricky Bits |
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