Pet Insurance

One of the most fun parts of being a dog owner is teaching your dog how to do tricks. It’s a great way to spend some quality time with your pet and is fun for both you and your dog. There are tons of different tricks you can teach to your dog that will be extremely entertaining to watch for years to come. Teaching a younger dog tricks is easier than teaching an older dog, but both can still learn and entertain you with their talents.

It’s important to make sure that your dog is healthy before you try to teach them how to do tricks. It could be dangerous to your pet’s health if you try to teach them how to do tricks if your dog has a health problem such as being obese. There are a few items you will need to invest in, such as a chain slip collar and at least a six-foot leash. It is highly recommended that you avoid using a chain leash because of the damage they can cause to your hands.

Some of the first tricks that are the easiest to teach your dog are to sit and stay. Most dog owners start with these tricks and use these as springboards to learning more complex tricks such as sit up and shake. Your dog should know his name and be able to come to you when you call him before you teach him how to sit and stay.

Teaching your pooch to sit is pretty simple, and after a short amount of time will become a habit for your dog. You begin teaching this trick by speaking the command “sit” while pressing on your dog’s backside near his back legs and tail. Make sure that you are gentle when applying the pressure to your dog so that you don’t injure or frighten him or her. Another way you can teach your dog this trick is to take your dog’s head in your hands and make him look up gently. Your pet’s reflexes will kick in and he will automatically sit. Make sure to reward your pet for sitting afterward, and this will help reinforce his behavioral training.

Once your dog learns this, you can test him to see what he’s learned. Hold one of his favorite treats above his head and firmly ask him to sit. If he does what he is told make sure to give him his treat and love on him with petting. Dogs are very loyal and they love to please their masters, especially when a tasty treat is involved.

While the command to “stay” is one of the basic building blocks for other tricks, it can be a difficult one for dogs to master at first. Most dogs love to follow their owners around all day and be with them, and when you command them to stay, it is a bit confusing to them. The command to stay is not only a fun trick, but it can also save your pet’s life in certain situations. It’s important to make sure that you develop a strong communication voice with your pet so they will respond to your commands.

Another fun trick is teaching your pup to fetch. Once you have your dog’s attention, toss one of his favorite toys a short distance from where you are at with your dog. Make sure the object isn’t too heavy, or else your dog may not be able to lift it and bring it back. As you throw the object say “fetch”, and repeat the phrase while your dog is headed toward the object you threw. This may take a few tries to get right, but is a great trick that is a lot of fun for both you and your furry friend.