Sit down, roll over, fetch, and stay are only starting points for a well trained dog. Your dog is your friend, companion, and even a part of your family. By continually working with your dog, you’re strengthening your bond with the animal while keeping his brain sharp. Some of these tricks may even prove to be useful throughout the life of your animal.
- The Sneaky Crawl
Teaching your dog to crawl has some distinct benefits that you may not expect. If your dog ever gets stuck in a narrow space, she’ll be able to get herself out if she knows this trick. It’s also helpful for dogs who like to go on hikes or explore caves with their owners.
Have your dog lay on her belly, and present her with a treat. Hold it further away, and don’t let your dog have the treat if she stands up. She’ll eventually learn that she needs to scoot close to the ground in order to get it. With practice, she’ll learn to crawl long distances without lifting her belly up from the floor.
- Clean Up the Yard
Stray branches and pinecones are a pain to clean up, especially after a storm. Did you know that you can teach your dog to do it for you? If your dog already knows how to fetch, this one is a breeze. Teach your dog to fetch sticks. When you have tree debris in your yard, play fetch with a stick or two. Collect those sticks and put them in front of you. Don’t give them back to the dog, and tell him to fetch more. Most dogs will be able to intuitively discern that you want them to find a new stick. When they do, reward them with treats.
- Skateboarding
You’ve probably seen videos of skateboarding dogs on YouTube. It’s surprisingly easy to get your dog to mimic those dogs. Present your dog with a skateboard on the carpet, or in the dirt. You want a surface that isn’t slippery. Give your dog a treat whenever she inspects the skateboard. Pull it in front of her until she’s interested in seeing how it works. Eventually, she may be interested in moving it herself. By rewarding her continued interest, she’ll start experiment with riding the skateboard.
- Shaking Hands
Shaking hands is easy to teach your dog. You’ve probably noticed that your dog will paw at your legs when he wants something from you. Teaching your dog to shake hands is merely a matter of taking advantage of that natural impulse. Hold a treat in one hand, and place your other hand out for the dog. Only reward your dog when he paws at your open hand. Eventually, he’ll figure out what he’s supposed to do to get the treat every time.
- Walking Backwards
This trick can keep your dog safe if she has a tendency to get too close to the road. Walk towards your dog, and command her to go back. Your dog might have a natural impulse to walk backwards, and if she does, simply reward her to associate the command with the behavior. If she doesn’t slightly nudge her backwards until she understands.
- Scoring Soccer Goals
If your dog knows fetch, you can teach her to play soccer. Set up a goal post in your back yard. Stand in front of it, and command your dog to bring you the soccer ball. She won’t be able to pick it up in her mouth – she’ll have to push it. Point to the back of the goal, and move out of the way. Eventually, your dog will learn to play soccer without you playing goalie. Reward her for getting the ball in the net.
- Singing
Dogs react to certain noises by barking. If you already know what these noises are, you can use them to train the dog to sing. By slowing down these recorded sounds or adjusting the frequency, your dog will begin to vocalize in response to certain sounds. By allowing your dog to vocalize, he’ll become more familiar with his voice. The more familiarity he has, the better control he will have over his vocalizations. This will make it possible for your dog to sing.
You’d be surprised what your dog can learn when you have the patience to teach her. Just make sure you stay consistent and are actively making your dog earn the rewards, rather than handing out treats for halfhearted attempts.
Mia is a great fan of sports and animals. She works at Rufino store, which provides quality handmade dog collars created with care and love.
