Training Your Dog
from Good Dog Training Books

Training your dog to do tricks

When it comes to training your dog to do tricks, it could take more time than you thought.

There are some dogs that train much easier than others. It is in their breed to be more compliant and understand your commands faster.

Even if you do not have one of these dogs, you can still train yours to do what you want him to do.

All you need is some dedicated time, many rewards, and a bit of patience. Once you begin to see your work pan out, you will be more apt to want to teach your dog more.

Start With The Basics

The key to training your dog to do great tricks is to start with the basics. Dogs need to learn the simple things first. This will also give you a feel for how your dog learns best and also how long it take him or her to get it. Learning to sit, stay, come, and lay down will give you a good idea what to expect from your canine companion. It will also allow the dog to know how to read you and do what you want.

Dogs want to work to please their owners. Learning what it is expected and then performing it on demand is what most dogs strive for. Once you have taught your dog the basics you will want to teach trick that you can use the basics to base off of.

Shake Paw

A great trick of the trade is training your dog to shake paw. It is a great simple trick that is very easy to teach and many dogs do naturally. Once your dog has mastered the sit command you should be able to teach them this one with ease. Simply get your dog to sit with a cookie.

Once he is sitting say “shake” or “paw” and grasp the dog's paw and shake it. Praise and give the dog the cookie. Then repeat this and wait before grasping the dog’s paw to see if she will give you the paw. If she touches your hand with her paw in any way reward her. Continue this till she gives you her paw on the command word without physical prompt.

How To Beg The Right Way

A cute and common trick to master when training your dog is to beg. This is an intermediate trick that can be taught after mastering the sit and shake commands. Put your dog in the sit position and tell him to shake. Once he has given you one paw grasp the second paw and say “beg”.

Once in the desired position reward him with a cookie and praise. Keep repeating the steps but wait to see if he will give you the second paw on his own. Make sure to reward him for taking both paws off the ground each time. Once he gets them to where you want, you can really praise him and give him a few extra treats.

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