Animal Performer: Six Tricks To Teach Your Dog

Playing with your furry friend is fun, but it's even more fun when you get to show off dog tricks! Teaching your dog tricks doesn’t just give you a chance to show off, it teaches your dog discipline and to listen to you. Many types of behavior problems come from a lack of training. Here are six tricks you can start working on with your dog.

Sit

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The simplicity of this trick is deceptive: if your dog knows there's a treat involved and is excitable, sitting is the last thing he'll want to do. Put the treat in the palm of your open hand, face up. Raise the treat above the dog's head and say, "sit." The dog will look up at the treat and automatically sit down. Do this over and over until the dog pairs the command with the action.

Lie Down

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Teach your dog to lie down on the ground with a similar treat placement trick. Start out holding the treat, and make sure your dog knows you have it. When you're ready say, "lie down" and place your hand palm down on the floor in front of the dog with the treat underneath. The dog should lie down with their nose nudging your hand. Again, do this over and over until the dog pairs the command with the action.

Roll Over

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You will probably need to help with a physical prompt on this one. Start from a laying down position. Then tell the dog to "roll over." The dog's eyes will follow the treat so move the treat in a circular motion in the direction you want your dog to roll. Gently nudge him or her on the side and physically prompt them to roll over.

Dance

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Motivation is key here! If your dog loves treats, hold the treat high so the dog has to work. The dog will natural back up on its hind legs to jump up and try to get the treat in your hand. Be careful: large dogs can cause unintended havoc jumping around excitedly!

Shake

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As with "sit," you may need to provide manual encouragement: take your dog's paw gently, issue the command and give the treat. Work to just holding your hand out until your dog shakes your hand by themselves. The dog will learn how to get a reward on its own soon.

Fetch

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Retrievers and other working dogs learn this best: they love bringing you their toys anyway because it means more play! Begin with short throws, but not too short - the dog has to understand both going to the object, and traveling back. Show the treat once your dog has the object to encourage them to return.

If you are struggling with training your dog, under-socialization as a puppy can be a cause. Properly socialized dogs love to please, and choosing tricks dogs are already inclined to perform makes training easy. Your canine friend could be the star of the show at your next party!