Learning tricks provides your dog mental exercise and a chance for you and your dog to strengthen your bond. After your dog learns basic obedience skills, learning to crawl is one of the easiest tricks he can accomplish.
Things You'll Need
- Dog treats
Instructions
Teach your dog to sit. Hold a treat above your dog so that his nose will point upward. Do not hold the treat so high that the dog will jump for it. Gradually move the treat down the dog's body so that he naturally lowers his bottom to the floor. As soon as he begins moving into a sitting position, say "sit," then give him a treat. Repeat this exercise until your dog understands the "sit" command and knows the behavior you expect.
Teach your dog to lie down. Give your dog the "sit" command. When she is sitting, take the treat and lower it to the ground. As your dog follows the treat, she will naturally move into a prone position. As soon as her belly is on the floor say, "down," then give her a treat. Repeat this exercise until your dog understands the "down" command and knows the behavior you expect.
Tell your dog to sit, then tell him to lie down. When he is in the "down" position, take the treat and hold it in front of his nose. Move the treat forward a couple of inches. When your dog moves toward it, with his belly still on the floor, say "crawl," then give him a treat.
Repeat this exercise, increasing the distance your dog crawls before he gets the treat, until your dog understands the "crawl" command and knows the behavior you expect.