How to Teach Dogs to Dance

You can teach almost any dog to dance, with the proper training. Dogs are willing to perform many tricks for their owners; you simply have to teach them what you want, using positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement involves using treats, toys or praise to encourage a dog to perform. Use treats initially, switching to praise after the dog knows the command.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut pieces of chicken, cheese or hot dog into small bite-sized pieces. Place the treats into a training bag, or your pocket. Bring the dog to a quiet room with minimal distractions. Start the training with a command the dog is familiar with. Repeat the command five to six times as a warm-up.

    • 2

      Hold a treat two inches above the dog's nose. Raise the treat up to eight inches above the dog's head (higher for large breeds). When your dog is standing, turn the dog's treat in a circular motion. The dog will spin in a circle. As the dog is turning with the treat, state "Dance!" Reward the dog with the treat.

    • 3

      Make the dog stand up on its hind legs with another treat. Move the treat backwards, making the dog back up to see the treat. As the dog is backing up, state "Dance!" Practice both movements until the dog is familiar with the command. Combine both movements together (turning the treat in a circle and moving the treat backwards) to get the dog to dance. Reward it with a treat.