Ever tried to get a dog to do something specific? It can be frustrating. But instead of treating them as if they were a human, try using the tricks. The professional training techniques are proven and help thousands of dogs learn to become happy and well-adjusted members of their families.
Bond with Your Dog
You can have a lot of fun while training, and at the same time, you can bond with your dog. Anything is possible with a bit of patience and creativity. Here are some ideas:
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Ideas for Letting the Dog Sit in Your Lap
Sit down in a prone position in front of the dog to look up at it. Then, use a treat to lure the dog into taking its place on your lap. If the dog does not get on your lap within five seconds, say “Not yet!” once more after another five seconds. Then release the verbal command as you allow them to jump onto your lap, praising them for “working for treats.
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Ideas to Get Your Dog to Carry Items in Their Mouth
Use a treat to lure your dog into picking up an object and holding onto it. The idea is for them to have the item between their paws and jaws without it dropping. If they are not entirely stable at first, you can place a hand on either side of the item so that support is available, but take your hand away after 5-10 seconds and then release the verbal command. Once your dog can hold the object unsupported, command them to “Drop” while holding it and try moving the item closer toward them or away from them or sideways in their mouth as they hang on.
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Getting Your Dog to Chase a Ball
Use a tennis ball or other item that rolls easily. Bounce the ball before them and then drop it to lure them into chasing after it. When they get to the ball, command them to “leave” as you tap the ball with your foot so that it moves.
Then command “bring” as you move away from it so that they return to fetch the item for you, praising them for working for treats when they pick up the object in their mouth and bring it back to where you are standing.
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Teaching Your Dog to Shake Hands
Have a friend hold the dog’s collar and give it a high-value treat. First, use your hand, palm down, to hold the treat in front of its nose. Then have them say “Shake” as they tap your hand with theirs before they are allowed the treat.
After a few touches, release the verbal command. Then use their paw to tap your hand before receiving a high-value treat. Once this is mastered, try offering treats freely without holding one in front of their nose-first.
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How to Get Your Dog To Sit With You
Catch hold of the dog’s collar, place a treat in their mouth and then command “Sit.” Then have them sit with your free hand under their neck as you praise them for “working for treats.” If your dog isn’t working well in this, you should make them feel that there is an invisible dog fence that stops them from going away during the training session. Try holding the treat at arm’s length by pointing it at their nose instead of feeding them. Repeat this a few times until they have learned to sit in response to verbal commands.
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How to Get Your Dog to Lie Down With You
Hold the dog’s collar and place a treat in their mouth. Move the treat away from their nose as you command “Down.” Then as they lie down, use your hand to hold them there until you release the verbal command. Once this is learned, offer treats freely without holding them in front of their nose.
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How to Get Your Dog to Shake Hands On Cue
Have a friend hold the dog’s collar and give it a high-value treat. Use your hand, palm up, to hold the treat in front of its nose. Then have them say “Shake” as they tap your hand with theirs before they are allowed the treat. After a few taps, you can release the verbal command. Then use their paw to tap your hand before receiving a high-value treat. Once this is mastered, try offering treats freely without holding one in front of their nose.
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How to Get Your Dog to Roll Over
Have a friend hold the dog’s collar and bring it close to its face to induce them into rolling onto their back. Then immediately place your hand on the back of its neck and command “Roll.” Once they have mastered this, you can try doing the same without the initial “getting ready” command and instead just issuing the verbal command.
Remember to reward your dog for good behavior and avoid having a negative reinforcement approach to training. Laughter is always effective when learning new tricks.
