Have you had your dog for a while, and now you think it might be fun to teach him some tricks? Or has a young dog, or even a puppy, recently become part of your family? One of the best ways you can build a strong bond with your dog is doing dog training. It’s easier to train a puppy, of course, but older dogs can also learn, with your help.
Before you begin training, make sure your dog is healthy. You can easily give your puppy a hands on exam before each dog training session, checking for bruises, cuts, lumps, bumps, or any tender spots. Be sure to check in between the toes, and look at his paw pads. It’s easy to overlook small cuts in these areas. Your frequent checkups can take place while you are petting or grooming your dog. He will love your touch, and you’ll become aware of anything that might need the attention of a veterinarian.
One of the easiest tricks to teach your dog is to sit, at your command. Because it’s so easy for him to learn, it will increase his confidence. As well, if you start with an easy trick like this one, you’ll have a firm foundation for teaching harder tricks later on.
First, find a quiet place with few distractions where you can work with your dog. In teaching this trick, you can use a food treat or a clicker, or any other positive reinforcement. The clicker works well in keeping your dog s attention on you at all times. You also want to maintain constant eye contact with your dog; this, too, helps keep his attention on you.
Begin by using simple motions. Hold a treat over his nose. Sometimes a dog will sit automatically to look at something above his head. If your dog sits down, reward him by giving him the dog treat and lots of affectionate praise. If he doesn’t sit, push gently down on his backside to show him what you want him to do. Go over the process a few more times, so your dog will understand that sitting down gets him a treat and a lot of loving from you.
When your dog understands the sitting down business, you can say Sit! or Sit down! before you dangle the treat over his nose. When he obeys, reward him again with the treat and a hug. Go through it again a few times, saying the word several times. Reward him appropriately, and soon he’ll be sitting down as soon as he hears you say the word.
Don’t wear your dog out with training sessions; keep them short. You can try again after a few hours. Be sure you always use the same command and rewards. Consistency from you builds your dog’s confidence. Keep praising him every time he performs the trick correctly. You’ll be surprised at how little time it takes to have your dog sitting at your command! Make dog training fun, and you and your dog will enjoy it!
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