When you are a dog owner, you know how much work it is to have a dog, but on the other end of that you know how rewarding it is. Having a dog is a lot of work, but it can be a lot of fun too. There are simple ways to make this happen.
Dogs are naturally loyal to there pack and once you become a dog owner you essentially take over as the pack leader. So, your dog will look to you for guidance and will also want to interact and make you happy. This is where you can have fun. When you’re training your dog to do tricks, make it a game. Keep your dogs mind stimulated and in turn your dog will not only be having a lot of fun, but will be learning new tricks as well.
One of the more common dog training tricks is fetch. Some dogs are naturals at fetch. Their breeds were created to run after things, catch them, and bring them back to their people. However, some dogs need some teaching in this. The easiest way to do this is create a treat ball for them.
Take an old tennis ball and cut a slit into it. Put your dog’s favorite treats in it, show it to your dog and take a treat out and give it him. Next, throw the ball. The first couple of times, you will need to run with your dog to the balls location to get the ball. Take out a treat and give it to him. After that, throw an empty ball, and when your pet brings it to you, give him a treat and praise him.
Another one of the more fun dog training tricks to teach your dog is shaking hands. It is easy enough to teach. First, get your dog to sit. Then say, “Shake” or “Shake Hands” and take your pets paw in your hand. Hold it and praise your pet, then let go. Do this a couple of times a day.
After a while, give the command, but do not take your dog’s paw. If your dog raises it’s paw, praise it and give it a treat. If it does not, show your pet again by repeating the teaching method again. Remember to make all of your training sessions fun for your dog.
Teaching your pet to crawl can be a fun way to get your pet to follow you as an example and get some exercise at the same time. Start off by having you pet lay down. From that position, take a treat and hold it in front of him and tell him to crawl. Pull the treat away slowly while you do this. If your dog starts to stand up, tell him “no” and to lay back down and try again, keeping the treat as low as possible. When your pet moves forward, even if it is a few inches, praise your pet and repeat the steps.
Another of the standard dog training tricks is playing dead. First, have your dog lie down on their stomach. Then, as you roll them over gently, tell them “play dead” or “take a nap”. Encourage the pet to stay put for several seconds then tell him to wake up. When your pet is standing up, give him a reward and praise him.
Also, dig can be a fun game for your dog, but may not be a good idea if your dog is a digger and likes to dig in the yard or garden. For the dogs that are not troublesome diggers, you can teach your dog to dig for a treat by putting a few treats under a towel making sure that your dog is watching. Do not let the pet use their nose to nudge under the towel. Instead, encourage them verbally, showing that the treats are under it. Eventually, your pet will start to paw at it. When they start to dig for the treats, reward them.
Teaching your dogs tricks can keep them from being bored. It will also strengthen the relationship between owner and dog. Dogs are pack animals and they perceive their owner as their pack leader. Keeping them entertained and showing them that they are loved can ensure that your dog continues to obey you as the leader.
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