With the kiddos heading back to school why not teach Fido a few lessons!
Trick Training 101 - Spin Class
Hold a treat in front of your dog's nose. Slowly pull the treat toward the side of your dog's head, so it has to turn its head to follow the treat.
Keep pulling the treat in a circle all the way around your dog's body, so it will have to spin in order to keep track of the treat.
Once your dog has followed the treat in a complete circle, tell the pup "yes" or "good," or click your clicker. Then quickly give your dog the treat.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 several times.
Once your dog seems to understand the action, add the command word "spin" before once again repeating steps 2 and 3.
Spend about five minutes, several times a day, practicing the spin. Your dog will be spinning in a complete circle before you know it.
Trick Training 102 - Back Up
Begin With "Stay". Start off by giving your dog the stay command. If your dog doesn't know how to stay yet, it would help if you went back and worked on that before moving on to the next step.
Back Away. Take a few steps away from your dog, and then turn and face them.
Move Forward. Begin moving towards your dog. Some dogs will take a few steps back the minute you start moving in their direction. If your dog doesn't start stepping back as you move toward it, keep going forward, and try to lean your body forward slightly.
Offer, Praise and a Reward. As soon as your dog takes a few steps back, tell them "good" or "yes!" or click your clicker, and then give them a treat.
Add the Command. Once your dog seems to understand the action, it's time to introduce the command. The next time, say "back up" as you move toward your dog. Continue to reward your dog when it backs up on cue.
Most dogs learn to back up quickly. Practice these steps for a few minutes each day, and your dog will soon be responding to the back up command.
PRO TIP: Use fun command like ‘Beep Beep’ when you’re training – it’s sure to get a good laugh from your audience!
Don’t forget to have a variety of treats to keep your pooch interested during your training sessions, try using a range of flavours and textures to mix things up.
Visit your local Bark & Fitz for more treats for your trickmaster!