Athletic Dog Tricks
Before your dog learns athletic tricks, it is vital that he is comfortable to jump on, over, or through something. Not only will he be able to do more tricks, but he will be exercising at the same time. If your dog has not learned to jump yet, you should start with teaching him this basic trick. Avoid having your dog jump if he or she is dysplastic, pregnant, or arthritic. If your dog is in the right condition to jump, the easiest way to have your dog jump is by placing a board in a doorway of a room that your dog likes to spend plenty of time in. This situation will leave your dog no choice but to jump over the board if he wants to go into the other room. Make sure that you do not start with too high of a jump. To make your dog more comfortable, take the jump with your dog. With your dog on a leash, stand a few feet away and run to the board. As you are reaching the board, lift the leash up and forward and call out,"your dog's name, Over." After you jump over the board together, praise your dog as much as you can. Once he learns how to jump over the board, your dog will be ready for some athletic tricks listed such as the following.
Before your dog learns athletic tricks, it is vital that he is comfortable to jump on, over, or through something. Not only will he be able to do more tricks, but he will be exercising at the same time. If your dog has not learned to jump yet, you should start with teaching him this basic trick. Avoid having your dog jump if he or she is dysplastic, pregnant, or arthritic. If your dog is in the right condition to jump, the easiest way to have your dog jump is by placing a board in a doorway of a room that your dog likes to spend plenty of time in. This situation will leave your dog no choice but to jump over the board if he wants to go into the other room. Make sure that you do not start with too high of a jump. To make your dog more comfortable, take the jump with your dog. With your dog on a leash, stand a few feet away and run to the board. As you are reaching the board, lift the leash up and forward and call out,"your dog's name, Over." After you jump over the board together, praise your dog as much as you can. Once he learns how to jump over the board, your dog will be ready for some athletic tricks listed such as the following.
The Teeter-Totter: You can practice this trick with your dog at your local park if you don't have a teeter-totter in your backyard. Keep your dog on a leash and have him be on your left side as you approach the seesaw. Place your left foot on the down side of the seesaw and encourage your dog to climb up on it. Tighten his leash so he can't jump off the seesaw while you are trying to train him. If he moves to the middle of the board, pick him up and praise him. This is enough to do for your dog's first day. Go back the next day and start in the same way using your left foot once more. This time, when your dog gets to the middle of the board, say,"Steady," in a drawn-out way. While holding the leash in your left hand, reach forward and hold the higher end of the board with your other hand. Repeat,"Steady," as you carefully guide your dog to move forward and lower the raised side of the board to the level position. As you are talking to your dog in a reassuring voice, gently guide the board towards the ground. While the control is still in your hands to prevent your dog from jumping off to the side, your dog will continue to move down the seesaw and jump off. Once again, praise him as much as you can.
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