Things You'll Need
- Dog treats
Instructions
Ask your dog to sit. Show it that you have treats ready to reward it. This signals to your dog that it is time to focus and train.
Raise a single treat in the air above your dog's nose. Start just an inch or two out of your dog's reach and raise the treat higher into the air. Your dog will attempt to reach the treat by standing on its hind legs.
Say the word "dance." This will be your verbal command. It doesn't know this command at first, so say it as you raise a treat over its head to give it a chance to make the connection.
Move the treat around over the dog's head while it is on its hind legs. It will waddle around on two feet or hop to try and reach the treat. Repeat your "dance" command as it does.
Reward your dog after only a second or two of "dancing." Give it the treat and praise it excitedly. Use the phrase "good dance" to reinforce your command and tell the dog what it did correctly.
Withhold treats for longer and longer periods until you no longer need them to coax your dog to dance. Start by waiting five seconds, then ten, and so on. Remember that there is a limit to your dog's ability to stand on its hind legs. If it drops back to all fours, simply say "dance" again and have it start over. Always praise your dog for dancing when you ask, even if you no longer use dog treats as a reward.
Add music to your dog's routine. Choose a song and play it whenever you practice the "dance" trick. It can make a connection between your command and that particular song. You don't always have to use the same song if your dog can respond to your verbal cue ("dance"), however.
Dance with your dog. This will be fun for both of you, and turns the trick into a game you can play and enjoy together.