Special Dog Tricks

A dog can be a wonderful companion for children and adults alike. It is especially satisfying when you and your dog can develop your relationship together through training and performing tricks. When you see that you are connecting with your dog it can be really liberating to know that you are able to effectively communicate with what is essentially another species. This is when your dog can become more than just a pet: a valued member of the family with a personality all of its own.

  1. Shake Hands

    • A lovely trick for your dog to learn is to mimic the very human action of shaking hands. It can be very impressive for guests to be greeted by a dog that offers its paw as a means of salutation. Start by sitting down in front of your dog. Say the command that you want your dog to recognize everytime you wish to shake hands. For example, say "Wassup," then take the dog's paw in your hand. Remeber to praise your dog so it does not become nervous. Repeat this action every day until your dog is able to raise its paw on command without you needing to take hold of it.

    Take a Bow

    • This is a great trick for a dog to learn if you want to cap off a series of tricks. With your dog standing, hold a treat under its nose on the floor. When the dog bends down to get the treat slip your other hand under its rear end and maintain her standing height. Keep the treat by her nose for a few seconds and don't feed it. Say "take a bow." After a few seconds feed it the treat. Repeat this as often as is needed until it bows on command.

    Balancing a Book

    • This is an advanced trick that will take a lot of time and practice to achieve. Start by finding a suitably sized book and place it on the dog's head with one hand while holding the dog still with the other. Say "stay." Slowly remove your hands and count to three, then reward the dog with a treat. The point of this is to slowly increase the amount of time the dog stays still balancing the book on its head. Once this has been achieved, try getting it to follow you without dropping the book.

    Turning Lights On and Off

    • Begin by holding a treat near a light switch and encouraging your dog to jump up and get the treat by saying "turn off/on the light." Reward the dog with praise whenever its paws hit the switch. Only feed it the treat when it achieves this. After a while, stand away from the switch, give the same command and toss the treat toward the switch, or alternatively, place the treat on the switch if that is possible. Soon, your dog will turn the lights on and off on command.