Find Your Spark! Day 2
Ready for more fun? How is Day 1's game going? Post a video if you'd like feedback or just want to show off your smart dog =)
Today, we are talking about Trick Training.
If you aren't already a member, be sure to join the FB Group where you'll find a special free bonus gift! The offer expires Dec 16th though, so grab yours soon, even if you don't have time to play until later.
Below I will start with some beginner tricks and work up to more advanced ones. Most of the expert ones will be in that free bonus in the FB group!
Why Train Tricks???
Trick training is a fantastic way for you and your dog to learn how to communicate. They are just tricks, so if you end up with something different than you intended, who cares? This is how we end up with fun and unique tricks =) It's also a great way to bond with and to simply have fun with our dogs!
Some of us like to do shows for friends and family, or for social media, but tricks are so much more valuable than that.
For some of our dogs, their reactivity makes their worlds smaller. Tricks allow you to add novelty and both mental and physical stimulation to their loves, right in the safety of your living room. Once your dog becomes proficient at tricks, we can use them in reactivity training too!
​
Every cue your dog can respond to is like a tool in your Reactivity Toolbox. The more tricks your dog knows, the more tools we have to help them learn how to be calm, confident, and relaxed out in the world.
Below, I will show examples of how to train a few tricks, from novice to expert level. Don't forget to check out the free offer on the FB group though, as there you can learn more tricks AND tips on how to become a great trick trainer!
Oh, did you know that basic obedience skills like sit, down, and stand are tricks? Yup! It's all in your attitude! I won't cover those here, but you are welcome to join my FREE Puppy Foundations Group. P.s. Yes, please invite your friends.
Hand Touch
This is a great game for many reasons:
- It is a loose leash walking and heeling foundation skill.
- It can be used to help your dog past distractions.
- It becomes an easy way to maneuver your dog.
- It is a fun way to jazz up and connect with your dog in between less exciting training sessions.
- It is a sport dog foundation behaviour – if you want to compete agility or obedience this is one of the foundation skills.
Hmm.. the Hand Touch video is giving me some trouble. If it doesn't work, use this link to view on YouTube.
Any animal can learn tricks. Here's my horse Shea learning Hand Touch!
Spin and Twirl
Teaching your dog to spin and look back to you is a great trick you can use for reactivity. Sometimes our dogs need a physical outlet for their energy, and this one gives them a fun physical game that they can do pretty much on the spot, or even in heel as you are walking.
Each direction is a different trick! I say "Spin" for a counterclock turn, and "Twirl" for clockwise.
​
Shake A Paw
This one is excellent for dogs who are worried about handling, nail trims, or vet visits.
Wipe Your Paws
Sure, this one could be handy this time of year, but it's also super cute!
Chin Rest
Chin Rest is a great skill for:
- Trick training foundations
- Cooperative Care (Vet visits, nails, teeth brushing, etc.)
- Lowering Arousal
- Moving your dog past a distraction or trigger
This is Riker’s first session learning a chin rest. I basically put my hand in his way to get the treats. Reward low to encourage your dog to really press their chin into your hand. Frequent cookie tosses help build enthusiasm and work play into the session. Riker’s session is almost exactly 1 minute. Keep your sessions short =)
​
​
Riker's next session, using a station.
Moving Chin Rest
Cool beans. Now you have a chin rest, but how do we train that into a MOVING chin rest? Here's Enzo =)
Have Fun!
​