Teaching your dog new tricks can be a fantastic way for your family to bond while enjoying summer break. It also provides mental stimulation that all dogs need. And what a great summer activity while kids are home from school!
Create your “Mark”
The key to teaching your pup any new behavior or trick is to first create a “mark.” Creating a mark allows you to give immediate feedback to your pup. An enthusiastic “Yes!” or a click with a clicker, immediately followed by a high-value treat or reward, tells your dog, "I love that thing you’re doing!”
Here are five fun tricks to teach your pup this summer:
High Five or Shake: Start with your dog sitting in front of you. Hold a treat, then raise your hand just above their paw. As your dog lifts their paw to get the treat, say "High Five” or “Shake" and gently grasp or tap their paw. Mark, praise, reward.
Roll Over: With your dog lying down, hold a treat close to their nose. Move your hand in a circular motion, guiding your dog to roll onto their side and then onto their back. As soon as your dog completes the roll, say "Roll over!" Mark, praise, reward.
Sit Pretty: Start with your dog in a sitting position. Hold a treat above their head and slowly lift it higher. Encourage your dog to lift their front paws off the ground and balance on their hind legs. As your dog reaches up, say, "Sit pretty!" Mark, praise, reward.
Spin: Begin with both you and your dog standing. Move the treat in a circle, guiding your dog to follow it. Keep practicing until your dog completes the spin. Say, "Spin!" Mark, praise, reward.
Hug: Start with your dog sitting in front of you. Hold a treat in one hand and tap your shoulders. When they place their paws on your shoulders, say "Hug” and Mark, praise, reward. You can also have them stand behind you and using the command “Selfie!”
Following these steps, you can teach any trick!
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