Tricks for Treats!

Ok, so maybe the title of this post isn't exactly timely, but this is a neat little video showing several 'tricks' this human has taught her dog. The dog is 11 months old, and while young dogs are sponges, older dogs can easily learn the same tricks. With cold weather coming, indoor activities help prevent boredom and work to solidify the human/canine partnership and many times, can curb negative activities such as chewing, pacing, and barking. A dog tired in mind and body is a good, good dog, and a trained dog is a listening dog!

A couple of things to note:

• while the human in the video is using a clicker, you can teach tricks simply using treats and makers (YES!, GOOD!, YAY!), the clicker simply makes the job easier because it teaches independent thinking and offering behaviours. 
• Note that the tricks are simple. She is using household items (bowls) and children's toys that could be purchased inexpensively at a second hand store. Be creative.
• If tricks aren't your thing, teach your dogs things like finding and retrieving his leash, your slippers, the newspaper. Cliche yes,but your dog doesn't know that.
• Build on behaviours your dog already does. If he hands you his paw, put that on command. If he sits at the door to go out, teach him to ring a bell you hang on the door knob.If he dances when he thinks you are going to do something fun, give that a name...you get the idea.
• It only takes 5 or 10 minutes each day to teach a new behaviour. Work in tiny increments so that you and your dog don't get bored. Don't expect him to won the new behaviour on the first day.  It might happen, but it is more likely to not happen. Owning behaviors takes time.
• Once your dog has one behaviour under his belt, move on. Dogs get bored faster than we do. Review owned behaviours on and off during the day, but during training sessions...new and fun is where it's at.
• Most importantly, note his person's voice. Upbeat, happy, and excited. That is a very important component. If you are getting frustrated, stop training. Review an owned behaviour and go do something fun with your furry friend. Go back to the training later when you are relaxed and feeling better about training. Trust me, your dog has already forgotten and is ready to move on too!

Please remember, this is all about having fun and building that bond between you and your dog.