Tricks are both enjoyable and extremely useful. Really, dog tricks are not much different from a person performing gymnastics, doing algebra, dancing, sinking a putt or playing the piano – all learned physical and mental skills, practiced to perfection. Similarly, dog tricks are no different from basic obedience commands. Although a lot of dogs perform obedience exercises more reliably…
Teaching your dog the ‘sit’ command Weigh out your puppydog’s daily diet and take a handful of kibble. Give one piece to the pup to let it know ‘the game’s afoot’, say “Rover, Sit” and then slowly move a second training treat upwards and backwards over the pup’s head, keeping it close to its nose. As your pup lifts its…
Right from the outset, teach your puppy the notion of following you around the house and garden and in other fenced or safe areas. The principle of following is simple in theory; the owner leads, and the puppy follows. However, in practice the ‘following’ exercise is a little more involved and extremely amusing to watch. During the…
Teaching your dog the ‘down’ command With your puppydog sitting, say “Rover Down.” Let it sniff another food treat, and then quickly lower the lure to the ground between the pup’s forepaws. Most dogs assume a ‘playbow’ posture – forequarters lowered with sternum on the ground and hindquarters stuck up in the air as if they are mooning…
Call your puppy, “Rover, Come Here,” praise it each step of the way, take hold of its collar and scratch its ear with one hand, and give it a treat with the other. It’s as easy as that! Most puppies will approach their owners at the drop of a hat. Ordinarily, most three-month-old pups will approach virtually anything that…