Teaching a dog tricks can be beneficial for numerous reasons. Not only do dogs benefit, but owners enjoy advantages like bonding time and having a well-behaved pet. Aside from mental stimulation, improved obedience, boosted confidence, exercise, enhanced focus and self control are noted. In addition, it provides fun and enrichment for your pet while preventing behavioural issues like chewing, barking, and digging.
How Often Should You Teach Them Tricks?
How often you should be teaching your dog new tricks depends on their age, energy level and attention span. Puppies or dogs new to training can lose interest quickly or become overwhelmed, so short, consistent sessions of 5–10 minutes a few times a week are ideal. As time goes on and your dog’s ability to learn tricks increases, daily training can become part of a regular routine, which dogs thrive on.
How Long Will It Take?
Teaching your dog a trick successfully is affected by temperament, age, consistency and difficulty of the trick. Simple tricks like sitting, shaking and lying down can take a few days to a week while rolling over, playing dead, and opening doors can take weeks to months or longer. Teaching energetic puppies can sometimes be easier than older dogs, who may have health issues or slower learning speeds. Short sessions, repetition, positive reinforcement, and patience are key to training success.
Which Tricks to Teach Them?
From simple commands to complex ones, there are several tricks that can be taught to your pooch:
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Starting off with sit-stay-come can be great beginner’s commands that are simple and essential for a dog’s well being.
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Moving on to lie down, shake, leave it and high five are options that are also known to be on the simpler side.
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For a more involved trick, roll over, speak, fetch, play dead and sit pretty are fun for your dog and anyone else who is watching!
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More advanced tricks include jumping through a hoop, fetching the leash, and putting toys away. These can be pretty impressive if your dog is able. You can also try agility tricks like crawling or interactive tricks like giving a kiss for a unique option.
How to Use Treats to Teach Your Dog
Grabbing your dog’s favourite treat as a reward is a great way to motivate and encourage the behaviour that is being taught. Choose high- value treats that your dog finds delicious and choose from a variety to keep them excited and interested. Our Aussie Pet Treats' range of training treats are the perfect reward for your dog as they are a tasty, nutritious and teeth-friendly delight. They are made from 100% animal meat, providing a protein-rich snack, while the chewy texture supports dental health. There is a flavor for everyone, offered in chicken, duck, liver and rabbit and made in jerky, sausage, biscuit and filet form.
After landing on their favourite chew stick, getting your dog’s attention is next on the agenda when beginning a training session. Start with a simple command mentioned above and guide the treat with their nose into the position you want. For example, to “sit”, holding the treat above their nose while slowly backing it over their head should encourage their bottom to lower. As your dog does this, a verbal “sit” gives association. Reward them immediately with a treat when they perform their behaviour with a cheerful tone that praises them. Repeating the trick multiple times in one session is most effective for your dog to learn the trick while sticking to 5-10 minute teaching intervals for best results.
Stay consistent with your verbal cues, like saying the word right before they complete their command. You can also move toward removing the food “lure” and just give the treat when they perform the trick rather than having it in front of their nose to guide them. Reducing treats over time also keeps them motivated, not knowing when they will receive a treat next. Staying positive and patient is essential in teaching your dog and keeping the activity fun for both of you. Avoid punishment as it can confuse and demotivate your dog. Rewarding correct behaviours is the way to go!
Treatless Trick Training
While treats can make training easier, there are other ways to reward your dog without overusing snacks.
Dogs thrive on attention and praise, and being enthusiastic and upbeat can be a real treat for your furry friend. They're affectionate creatures that love a good belly rub, ear scratch, or pat, so reinforcing their learned tricks with positive and loving attention can be all you need. Even a cuddle can work wonders, as many dogs love a close connection with their owners. Using the same words consistently, like “Yes!” or “Good dog!”, will help your mate associate the positive feedback with the trick they're learning.
Toys and Playtime
Your dog’s favourite pet toy could be your golden ticket to keeping them highly motivated. Playing a short game of fetch, tossing their beloved toy, frisbee or tug-of-war can each serve as a great reward. Taking a walk or playing outside are fun options for them, too!
Clicker
This small, handy device makes a clicking sound when pressed that becomes associated with the command being practiced. To use the clicker method, press it immediately when your dog performs the trick, followed by verbal praise to make for a clear communication with your pet. Eventually, the clicker itself minus the verbal command will be enough.
To Sum it Up
Every dog is different, but to effectively teach tricks, keep their focus, offer rewards, and stay consistent – that’s the key to success. Some dogs may like sausages while others may prefer their favourite stuffy as a reward. With time, as you practice alongside your pup, you will start learning what works best. Remember to keep training fun, positive and engaging as it will create the best experience for both you and your dog! Happy Tails!