What is the most common trick taught to dogs?
10 Commands to Teach Your Dog
Before you start training your dog there are a few essentials you will need to maximise your chances of success and a long loving relationship with your dog.
The first is a dog collar or harness which is essential for your dog’s safety and your control over your dog. The style is up to you, whether your dog’s collar is leather or brightly coloured is up to you but make sure it is sturdy.
Next, you will need a lead to attach to your dog collar that enables you to retain control over your dog. This is the link between you and your dog so should be the appropriate length for the job.
Finally, a good supply of dog treats will motivate your dog with a reward for al their hard work. Think of it like being paid, you wouldn’t go to work everyday without being paid so why should your dog. Just remember to modify their meal volume to allow for the treats given each day.
10 Commands to Teach your Dog
According to the latest statistics from the RSPCA — 38% of households in Australia own a dog. In total, there are 4.8 million dogs in Australia, accounting for roughly $7 billion of the pet industry expenditures.
We love our dogs so much — we are willing to spend money on grooming, vet check-ups, food and everything else to keep our pups happy and healthy.
However, apart from these must-haves, pet owners need to train their dogs and teach them the basic commands properly. Dog training creates mental stimulation and encourages discipline and obedience to make your dog more active and well-behaved. Not to mention it is a rewarding way to strengthen the human-pet relationship even more.
There are various dog obedience training facts you need to understand — but here are some of the essential commands you can teach to your pooch
Name Recognition
Purpose: to address your dog properly while teaching commands.
Description: before you train your dog any activities, teach your dog to recognise their name. This should be the very first step to instil discipline. It is easier to teach your pup commands and exercises if you address them appropriately. An obvious sign that your dog responds well is if they stare or look at you upon calling their name. Don’t forget to provide a reward or affection when they get it right.
Leave it or No
Purpose: to tell your dog not to grab or pick up something they are approaching or about to ingest.
Description: you may not want your dog eating whatever is unnecessary to digest. This is the reason why a ‘No’ or ‘Leave It’ command is helpful. Begin by holding treats on both hands. Gradually move the first hand or treat to your pooches’ face to trigger them to lick or sniff at the treat, then say the ‘leave it’ or ‘no’ command. Whenever your dog is trying to grab the first treat from your hand, do not give it to them. Give the second treat from the other hand when your dog finds no interest in the first treat anymore. This action signals that they followed the desired behaviour. Make sure to practice the exercise until your dog masters it.
Come
Purpose: to signal your dog to come back to you, keeping your pup out of trouble.
Description: this command should start by putting a collar and leash on your dog. With a certain distance away from your dog, gently pull the dog’s leash towards you then say ‘come’. As your dog manages to move towards you, make sure to give them a treat, praise or affection. Repeat this activity until your dog learns it properly.
Watch me or Look
Purpose: to guarantee that your dog’s attention stays or focuses on you.
Description: this command is executed by offering your dog a treat in your closed hand. Carefully move your hand closer to the dog’s nose then towards the face. Once you get your dog’s full attention while establishing eye contact, say the ‘watch me’ or ‘look’ command. As a reward, give your dog a treat or praise.
Down or Lie Down
Purpose: to calm down an excited dog and address some dog’s behavioural issues.
Description: this activity is a little challenging as it requires your dog to be in a passive position. Execute this command by offering a treat for your dog. Hold the treat with your closed fist then gently move it closer towards your dog’s nose and face. Let your dog sniff at the object then allow them to follow by gradually moving your hand to the floor. Continue to slide your hand along the floor until your dog assumes a lying position. Once they are down, that is the perfect time to give the ‘down’ command. Offer your dog a treat or praise them for their behaviour. Repeat this exercise until they master it.
Take it and Drop it
Purpose: to train your dog to drop the object they have taken.
Description: to execute this command, start by giving the ‘take it’ command when your dog opens their mouth and is willing to grab or catch the object. Give them time to play with the object then gradually introduce another object which is completely the same as the first one. Creating an impression that it provides the same value to your dog, it will trigger your dog to move towards the second object and grab it. Once your Dog dropped the first one, give the ‘drop it’ command. Say the ‘take it’ command when your dog catches or grabs the second object. Reward your dog and practice this activity until they learn it properly.
Sit-Stay
Purpose: to calm your dog down and keep them self-controlled.
Description: this activity is a combination of two commands: sit and stay. Train your dog with ‘sit’ command first. To execute this exercise, begin by offering your dog a treat. Hold the treat and position it closer to your dog’s nose then gradually move your hand up, so your dog will also move their head and follow the direction of your hand. When the dog assumes the natural sitting position, give the ‘sit’ command. Give your dog a treat or praise and repeat this activity until they master it.
By the time your dog has perfected the ‘sit’ command, teach them the ‘stay’ command. When your dog is in a natural sitting position, open the palm of your hand facing your dog then give the ‘stay’ command. Continue the exercise by gradually moving further away from your dog, then say the ‘stay’ command. Give your dog a treat or praise by doing a great job. Repeat until they have perfected the exercise.
Stand
Purpose: to easily position the dog in cases where standing is required such as brushing the dog or being examined by the veterinarian.
Description: start by giving the ‘sit’ command. With a treat in your hand, move it towards your dog’s nose forward then down. Following the direction of your hand holding the treat, move your hand forward until your dog assumes a standing position. Say the ‘stand’ command and reward your dog with praise or a treat.
Wait
Purpose: to train your dog not to move or wander.
Description: execute this task by giving the command ‘sit’ when your dog is outside your car or just in front of a closed door. Open the palm of your hand then say the ‘wait’ command. Repeat this activity until your dog learns it properly.
Heel
Purpose: to teach the dog to be well-behaved when you are beside them.
Description: start this command by holding the dog’s leash with your right hand. Let your dog stay on your left side. Using your left hand, hold the treat and guide your Dog while walking or instructing them to sit. Give the ‘heel’ command. Make a few steps while guiding your dog at your side. Praise your dog or give him or her a treat.
Final Thoughts
We always want to have enjoyable relationship with our canine companions wherever we go. Teach your pooch these basic commands to address any behavioural problems and ensure a healthy and happy companion.
Article Credit: Vet-Organics.com
10 Fun, Impressive Tricks You Can Teach Any Dog
January marks the official start of National Train Your Dog Month, but you can teach your dog new things at any time of year.
We all love our pets, but sometimes it can feel like your dog is incapable of learning any tricks. While it may feel impossible at times, with the right techniques and proper amount of practice, just about any dog can learn.
You should try this clicker to help train your pooch with clicker training!
Committing yourself to teaching your dog some tricks is a great New Year’s resolution, but it’s also a fun bonding experience for you and your dog throughout the year. Watch the following videos to learn some simple techniques that make it possible for any dog to learn tricks.
1. Kiss
Yes, your dog may already shower you with kisses on a daily basis, but now you can actually teach them to kiss you on command.
The video above walks you through the training process step by step, showing you how to eventually work up to the final kiss. For this trick you’ll need something sticky like tape or a post-it, treats, and a clicker.
The dog in this training video not only learned how to kiss his human, but he even learned to kiss his cat friend!
2. Bark On Command
This trick might be for more advanced dogs and takes some extra patience, as it’s one of the tougher tricks. As the video above shows, you have to be diligent in waiting for your dog to bark by themselves first, and then reward them as they continually do it.
The dog in the video doesn’t bark immediately even though the trainer is a professional, so make sure you remember that it won’t happen right away. However, if you can master it, barking on command is a very unique trick that will definitely impress your fellow dog parents.
3. Shake Hands
The “Shake Hands” trick is definitely one of the cuter tricks your pup can learn. It’s quite simple and is actually one of the easiest tricks to teach.
The secret is that your dog will already naturally paw at you if they want something. When you present a closed fistful of treats, your dog will likely be compelled to paw at your hand since they can’t get the treats with their mouth.
Once they continue to paw, begin to use the command “Shake,” and after repeating it several times, your dog is sure to learn a brand new trick. Follow the instructions in the video above for more details.
4. Fetch
While fetch is a classic game, it’s a trick that doesn’t come naturally for some dogs.
It can become pretty frustrating when your dog won’t cooperate at play time. Some dogs are uninterested in the toy and don’t even want to try, some will go fetch the toy but not bring it back, and then there are the stubborn dogs who bring the toy back but then won’t let go.
Watch the tutorial above to see how you can get your dog interested in fetch in the first place, and then actually learn how to play fetch properly.
5. Roll Over
At first “Roll Over” may seem like a difficult trick to attempt, but in the long run, it’s very straightforward.
All this trick demands is repetition. The more you do it, the better your dog will get.
The video above explains that the secret of “Roll Over” is doing it in three steps. Make sure you precisely lead your dog through each step, and before you know it, your friends will be asking you to teach their dogs for them!
6. Play Dead
“Play Dead” is a great party trick that will most definitely impress your friends and family. Unlike simpler commands like sitting or shaking hands, playing dead takes a bit more time and persistence to master.
The tutorial above uses a backwards method approach, teaching the last part of the trick first in order for the dog to learn easier. Take your time and remember to reinforce with a clicker and treats to make the process faster.
If your dog already knows the trick “Roll Over” it will be much easier for them to learn this trick.
7. Spin
Getting your dog to spin on command is a staple dog trick. While seemingly complicated, making your dog spin when directed can be done very easily with the right technique.
The instructor in the video above shows you how to begin with treats and eventually get to a verbal command only. However, getting your dog to spin with a verbal command only can be pretty difficult for beginners, so even if you get your dog to spin with a hand cue or treats, it’s still an accomplishment to be celebrated.
8. Stand On Hind Legs
While this trick may seem like something to leave to the professionals, if you’re a persistent dog parent with patience and high determination, it’s definitely doable.
In comparison to tricks like “Shake Hands” or “Spin,” this trick may seem complex, but really it’s just as easy to achieve if you put the work and effort in.
Big or small, any dog is capable of learning this if their human is just as determined. Watch the video above for details on how to pull it off.
9. Sit Pretty
Making your dog “Sit Pretty” isn’t just fun because it gives you the chance to take cute pictures of your pup to post to Instagram, but it’s also a great exercise for your dog.
Making your dog strike an adorable pose helps with your dog’s balance and can build core muscles. However, make sure your dog is healthy for this trick because it can strain dogs with pre-existing conditions.
Watch the video above to learn how it’s done.
10. Hug
While you can always just give your dog a hug, this trick is neat because your dog will actually put their paws around you and hug you back. Who wouldn’t want to learn this adorable trick?
If you want to master this heartwarming hug, just remember to be understanding of the pace at which your dog learns. Also, keep in mind that it is a bit simpler for your dog to learn this trick if they already know “Sit Pretty,” but otherwise it is still very manageable.
Take a look at the video above and follow along. Your dog will get lots of “awws” from all your friends!
What fun tricks does your dog know? Are you planning to teach your pup any new tricks? Let us know and leave a comment below!
