Helpful Dog Tricks
Humans do so much for their pets. We provide love, care, and attention for our loyal friends. There is a reason that dogs are called "a man's best friend." Dogs can pay back their owners by being trained to be helpful in everyday tasks. Here are some interesting and helpful tricks that you can teach your dog.
1. Answer the Phone: You can train your dog to pick up the receiver with his mouth every time the phone rings. While your phone is on the floor, pick up the receiver and tell your dog "Take it" a couple times, repeatedly. Put the receiver back on the hook and repeat the command. After doing this, you must slowly move the telephone back to where it belongs. If you want to go a step further, you can teach him to "answer the phone" by training him to bark after picking up the receiver.
2. Pick Things Up: Your dog can help you do chores around the house with this trick. This is especially useful for older folks who have difficulty bending down. Begin with an object that's familiar to your dog. Drop it on the floor and say, "Goldie, take it." If he performs this command, try a few different objects each session. Try making it fun for him. The best part of this trick is that the next time you drop your pen, you know exactly who to rely on.
3. Bark at Intruders: Most dogs have the instinct of barking when they sense intruders nearby which they show by 18 months of age. However, it also depends on how mature and aware the dog is. You can teach or dog to do bark at intruders by having a friend pretend to be an intruder. While taking your dog on a walk with its leash on, have your friend wear a mask and hide behind a tree. As soon as you and your dog reach the tree, your friend should jump in front of you two. While your dog spots the "intruder," in a low voice very suspiciously say, "Who's that? Watch him. Who's there? Watch him!" Once your dog begins barking at the so called "intruder" he should go back behind the tree to demonstrate that your dog protected you. Show your dog that you are relieved and praise and reward him. It might not work on the first try, but continue creating different scenarios until your dog learns.
4. Find a Lost Object: This trick is very useful to dog owners who tend to lose things. Take your dog to the park and play catch with him (if he already knows how). Toss an object letting him see where it lands and send him to get it. Do this a few more times. Now, toss it without letting your dog see where it goes. If necessary, talk him into the area by giving clues. Keep encouraging him by saying "Find it, good boy. Find it, that's my good boy." Each time you practice with him, make the object a little more challenging to find. Also, try doing this with him in different locations such as your living room.
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