Simple Dog Tricks

     I thought I would share some tricks that you can teach your dog quite easily that go beyond the basic 'sit down, roll over, shake hands' stuff. There are a lot of things that look really impressive to spectators but are super simple to teach. My dog was a poodle, and let me just say (I know everyone says this,) he was an absolutely amazing dog. He was willing to do pretty much anything he was asked. ....He just didn't speak English so he didn't always know what I was asking. Anyway! Onward to easily-taught-impressively-shown tricks!

Number 1: Hoop Jumping


Like so many other tricks, it takes more time than effort. You have to be willing to do it more than once a week. Once the dog has been taught, it makes great exercise for him and it is fun for you!


With hoop jumping, you will need (obviously) a hoop. Without a hoop it would pretty much be --ah--jumping. I used a hoola hoop that I got at Walmart.

Start with the hoola hoop resting against the ground; hold it upright so that your dog can walk through without having to step high. Coax him through by holding a treat on the other side of the hoop so he has to walk through to get the treat. Don't reward him unless he went through the hoop! From then, move on gradually. Lift it so that he can walk through easily, but it isn't touching the ground. Then raise it so he will lift both front paws at the same time and then the back ones. Finally, raise it so it become a full scale jump. After that, it's up to you and your dog how high you want to go; the sky's the limit! OK, the height your dog can jump is the actual limit. Have fun!

Number 2: Push-ups


Now drop and give me twenty!! Hehe, just kidding. With this trick, all your dog will need to know beforehand is how to lay down and stand up. Pretty basic right? Hopefully he will be able to master doing then in quick succession! 


Start with your dog laying down-- either in front of or to the side of you. Lure him upwards with a treat. As soon as he rises, give him the treat. Then give him the command to lie down. Alternate rise and lie until he catches on. Reward him for a job well done! Don't let him creep forward as he's doing push-ups and don't keep him at it till he's exhausted and frustrated; it's not boot camp!

Number 3: Jump Over a Bar


Just like a hurdle, but for dogs; maybe it will make it into the Olympics--who knows?! Poker made it.


You can buy nice bar set ups specifically for dogs, but if you want, just set up two chairs and a broomstick. The broom stick should be set up so that if the dog hits it on his way over, it will come off. So the chairs should be set up with the backs facing the starting point and the broom laying across the seats so it will slide forward. I found it easiest in teaching this trick to have your dog sit at the starting point and then walk over to the other side of the bar. Then, from the end point, you can call him and he will (hopefully) jump over the bar on his way. If he goes under or around, don't reward him! If he goes over, praise him--he deserves it. If he is hesitant and you can't get him to do it no matter what, go over the hurdle with him (sounds ridiculous, I know). I had to do this a few times with my dog and it helped a lot. Keep working on it! If he's a fast learner, you could even be sending him across from the starting point after only a few days. Just remember to stay positive because if you think he can, he'll be able to. If you think he can't, he won't be able to. Dogs know this stuff. Don't ask me how.

And finally to finish off with.....

Number 4: Take a Bow


He deserves to take a bow and hear your praise... Maybe get a treat. I'm sure he'd appreciate that.


Have your dog stand facing you. Hold a treat in the palm of your hand and hold it at nose height. But don't give it to him now. Press your fist (with the treat inside) gently against his nose and downward. Release the treat and reward him as soon as his elbows touch the ground. If he is laying down completely, you need to release the treat sooner. It's not mandatory that his elbows touch the ground. You're looking mostly for the pronounced dip of the head.

Dun da dun! 4 easy tricks that look like you attended training school! Have fun!

-Rachel-

Tricks came from 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance and Chalcy. Great book; I would definitely recommend it for those who are serious about teaching their dog some showing off techniques!