Teaching Dog Tricks

Teaching dog tricks is not at all difficult. The same holds true when it comes to a dog learning these tricks. It is just that you have to make your dog have fun while learning these tricks. Keep praising your dog whenever he is able to catch hold of a trick and treat him/her with rewards to make it exciting for the dog/puppy to learn and respond.

The Joy of Dog Tricks Teaching

Nothing can be more pleasurable than to teach dog tricks to your dog/puppy as it helps to grow a strong bond with your dog/puppy.  A confident and happy dog is what we all want and that is one of the great benefits of teaching  your dog tricks.
Other reason why we should teach dog tricks is to enjoy and have fun with your dog/puppy. Definitely, dog obedience training is much more serious in nature but the benefits are just the same for both the dog as well as its trainer. Communication is the prime advantage that tunes you both together. Also as discussed above, confident dogs that are ready to experiment new things is what these tricks bring out.
If your dog is over energetic, to trick dog is a great way of calming them and focusing his/her energies.. Often it is difficult to utilize the energy of the dog into something constructive. Trick training takes care of that.
Dog tricks can be called on as an "alternate behavior" when your dog is doing something undesirable. For example, if your dog is barking at the door or jumping up on guests you could call on your "play dead" trick to redirect his/her behavior.
If a dog/puppy performs one of its cool dog tricks, it brings enjoyment for everyone to watch, like roll over or take a bow.

Ways and means to Teach Dog Tricks

Animal training, especially dog training has its base upon behavioral science.  Thus, teaching dog tricks is a systematic process, which needs hard work and patience both. When you overburden your dog with tricks, it is no more a fun and thus loses its importance.
Simple procedure of training is the best to follow. Make the sessions short and focused. In addition, dog tricks sessions have be fun for both the dog as well as you. The key is slowly,  move through each  level of training.. Remember that one should not expect too much from the dog/puppy. Until the time they are comfortable with a trick, do not go to the next level or next trick..
Consistency has to be there in teaching dog tricks. Also, look for reinforcements that are positive in nature. Offer a timely feedback to your dog/puppy and let repetition shape up its skills.
Tools that are helpful in teaching Dog Tricks

Clicker

The Conditioned Reinforcer or the clicker is a plastic toy that has a distinctive sound that the dogs/puppies can associate easily. With this sound, the dog communicates with the trainer. It is a very effective tool and dogs enjoy its sound, which makes them to learn dog tricks quickly.

Treats
Motivation is very important factor in teaching dog tricks. Once you are able to achieve the desired behavior from the dog, make it a point to treat or reward your dog/puppy with praise and  favorite treats. These treats and praises have a very good and healthy effect on your dog/puppy, which will enforce your dog/puppy to strive for ’praise.
At times, even a clicker serves as a treat.

Target Stick
To teach dog tricks that involves positions, target sticks are quite beneficial. This will help your dog/puppy to understand terms like shaping, luring or capturing.

General Rules To follow While Teaching Dog Tricks
Although, we can say that there are many set’s of  rules to teach your dog tricks, as each dog is unique and responds differently The trainer has to understand the abilities of his/her  dogs/puppies and ways to motivate them during training sessions.
. Simplicity is the key. Make your training simple. Try to train your dog/puppy at a place with which he is familiar like your home. Later on, when your dog/puppy is comfortable then  you can try  some pieces of distractions.
. It is very important to provide the dog with a feedback, which he/she is able to understand. Dogs/puppies are very smart and they grasp your reaction really well. Ensure that the message you convey to the dog is clear and consistent.
. It is best that when you teach dog tricks, he is not at the highest energy level. Similarly, immediately after you feed your dog/puppy, do not teach it tricks. When the dog/puppy is calm, it becomes easier for your dog/puppy to grasp the trick.
. The cue you provide to your dog/puppy verbally should come after the behavior or the trick and not before it.
. Do not think that your dog is too young or too old when it comes to teaching dog tricks all dogs love to learn!
. Let your dog perform these tricks everywhere and not only in the home. It is important for your dog/puppy to be flexible, this creates a happy dog/puppy.
. It is always better to teach your dog obedience training prior to starting to teach tricks because this way you can ensure your dog will have a stronger base to work from ensuring  well being and safety.

More Tips:

Clicker Training

Dog Obedience Training

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