Pet tricks don’t have to be stupid, but they definitely should be fun

The Association of Pet Dog Trainers, of which I am a member, has declared January 2010 as the first national Train Your Dog Month. January is the perfect time for this as it’s a time for New Year’s resolutions and a rest from the holiday madness. Notable as well, many people adopt new dogs during the festive season. In addition, people who already have dogs may have relegated their pets to the background as vacations, visiting relatives, entertaining, and other holiday preoccupations took precedence.

But now it’s time to give our beloved companions their due. This month I invite you to dust off your dog’s toy chest, don your worn-out treat bag, and have fun teaching your dog some fancy new tricks. You can also take this time to work on behavior problems, or even just go out and enjoy the cooler weather with your four-legged pal.

The plan is to have fun and do more with your dog -- in a dog-friendly way! Here my two dogs demonstrate some easy tricks, and pose for a candid shot of fun things we do to spend quality time together.

High Five Have your dog sit close to you and hold a small treat directly in front of his nose. Move your hand slightly (an inch or so) to the left or right and wait. As the dog lifts a paw say, “Yes!” and give him the treat. After a few repetitions, wait for him to lift his paw higher to touch your hand before rewarding and praising him. Then ask for the “High Five” with an open hand. Yes!

Boing! Only try this if your dog is a fully formed adult who does not have back problems. The goal is to have your dog jump straight up in the air -- Boing! -- like a pogo stick. Hold an object the dog is interested in over his head. When he jumps for it say, “Yes!” or “Good!” and give him the object or reward. Once he starts jumping reliably, ask him to Boing!

Weave Teach your dog to weave through your legs as you walk. Start by stepping forward and luring your dog through with food or a toy. Say, “Through” before the dog goes through and “Yes!” when he does and give him a reward. As the dog comes to understand the command, reward only variably until few rewards are needed.

Take a Bow A bow is a fun trick you can use at the end of your dog’s bravura performance for friends and family. The bow can essentially be taught as a modified “down” because you’ll praise and reward your dog before his hindquarters hit the ground. Start by holding a treat in front of your dog’s nose while he is standing, then slowly move it straight down to the ground. As his head lowers and his elbows near the ground, mark the behavior with a “Yes!” and immediately give him the treat. Repeat. If your dog is flopping all the way to a “down” position, only lure the dog halfway before praising and releasing the treat.

You can add depth to the bow in future repetitions. Ignore the responses when your dog performs a “down” and just start again. When he starts to catch on and keeps his rear up in the air, praise and reward big. Now say, “Take a bow” before you lure him down. You can add a visual signal too, such as performing a bow or curtsey yourself, or a hand gesture toward the floor. Then practice, practice, practice!

Daily Adventures From a car ride to the bank to a week’s vacation, your best friend thinks everywhere you go together is fascinating and fantastic. Cash in on this by turning a seemingly mundane day into something special. Have a campout in your own backyard. Take scenic walks on different routes in the parks and neighborhoods for different smells and sights. Bring your dog on day and overnight trips to dog-friendly locations such as the Florida Keys. Look for critters to chase together. Nap on a hammock. Visit friends. You are only limited by your imagination.

Whether you’re teaching your dog to walk by your side or training the next Pet Star champion, approach everything as if it’s a fun trick. Be happy. Maintain your tireless enthusiasm! Really communicate with your dog. Encourage him by cheering him on and build each behavior gradually so he can be successful. Look him in the eye and smile at him.

Spending quality time with your dog every day will build your relationship and their confidence and make them less likely to get into trouble.

Lisa Hartman is head dog trainer for Pawsitively Pets. You can reach her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or www.pawsitivelypetsonline.com. You can also keep up with her and her dogs on Facebook at www.profile.to/dogtrainer.

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