Dogs Tricks Training

Articles and information on how to train your dog to do tricks.

How to Train a Dog to do Tricks

Every animal has a natural desire to "show off" even homo sapiens demonstrates this characteristic!: the child loves to take part in theatricals; the youth to display his, or her, prowess in sport or games; the woman to have her portrait in the newspapers (even if only as an advertisement for " Stick-in-the mud's" beauty cream!) and the old man may even leave directions for a "showy" funeral.

Therefore, to encourage an animal to perform tricks is often to be kind rather than cruel; but no unkind coercion must be used, and only tricks suitable to the breed of dog should be encouraged; a retriever, for instance, should not be taught the infra dig. performance of sitting up with a piece of sugar on its nose as I am convinced that the more dignified breeds feel and resent ridicule, Teaching the dog tricks will also develop the brain, and pander to the animal's desire for companionship. The most useful trick from the animal's health point of view, is to train the dog to " back fetch ".

Back Fetch Training

To teach this, take an old glove with you when you go for a walk with the dog along a path over fields not, of course, on a road and drop it when the animal is watching, so that he picks the glove up and carries it. After repeating this performance a few times, check the dog from picking up the glove when you drop it, and make the animal follow to heel until you have left the glove a few yards back, then send the dog back to retrieve, with the command "back fetch".

Each day increase the distance over which the dog has to return to fetch the dropped glove, until finally you should be able to make the animal go back to the furthest point of your walk thus you are able to double the amount of exercise which the animal would have otherwise taken. Never let a dog go through a gate or start to cross a road in front of you; always give him the command " to heel" or " waitr'', and make the animal halt until you are alongside in this way the dog will learn to check himself from dashing into traffic or other possible danger without taking a precautionary glance.

All dogs, when they are young, should be introduced to cats, sheep and poultry, and made to understand that under no circumstances are they allowed to take any interest in such animals. If rating or a mild chastisement fails to instil this realization, the dog must receive a scolding if it persists in interfering with them; as, should the dog develop a tendency to chase and perhaps damage cats, sheep or fowls (they are particularly tempting to a dog, as by running away they invite pursuit), the time may come when serious results may ensue, and an order made for the destruction of the offender.

Do not encourage your dog to run after stones or a rubber ball; the former may break the animal's teeth, and should the dog chew a ball and swallow a piece of rubber, internal trouble may be caused. By all means encourage the house dog to retrieve certain objects, as this will offer an opportunity to exercise the animal, but use a stuffed glove, a rolled up stocking, or a similar soft article for the purpose.

When training dogs, limit your words of command as much as possible; only use the actual commands which you always intend to give on the particular occasions thus the dog is more likely to become accustomed to the meaning of the words and to associate them with the performance or restriction. Also always remember to vary your voice tone, so that approval is indicated by a soft caressing tone, and disapproval by the harsh abrupt command " No ".

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