“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.” ~Author unknown
Trick training is a wonderful way to build confidence, engage and challenge your dog while nurturing and strengthening the bond you have with your pup. Tricks are also an effective method to channel your dog’s energy into positive and rewarding outcomes for both you and your best friend. All dogs regardless of age or breed can learn tricks!
The 3-Parts to Teaching Your Dog Tricks
Trick Training Mantra: Cue, Action, Reward
- Verbal or Physical cue to your dog, signaling the desired behavior
- The action performed by your dog
- Reward your dog
Guide your dog through the process, rewarding each small step along the way. Don’t expect your dog to learn the desired action on the first try. The goal of each training session is to improve the results from your last. If your dog doesn’t seem to be picking up on the trick, go back to an easier step for a bit as to not frustrate you or your pup. Consistency and effort are key. Go through the same motions each day and soon you will see improvement as your dog starts to “get it.” Be sure to move at a pace that is appropriate for your dog, and always choose behaviors which are suitable for your dog’s abilities, age, temperament and health. Keep training sessions brief and be sure to have a variety of rewards for your dog so that he or she remains motivated to play the “trick training game” with you. Always end on a positive note and while your dog is still wanting more – even if you have to go back to an easier behavior.
The sub-menus of this section are a collection of the trick titles our pups have earned from Do More With Your Dog. Do More With Your Dog offers four standard Trick Dog Titles: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. Each must be earned consecutively. Titles are earned by demonstrating a set number of tricks from a checklist. Your dog’s title comes with a PDF certificate and optional hardcopy certificate as well as a ribbon. Tricks must be taught with positive methods, and evaluators have the discretion to take into account the dog’s age, disabilities, and characteristics, and will work with you to establish alternate criteria. Trick titles are recognized by AKC, CKC, DKK.
Do More With Your Dog also offers specialty tittles such as 20:1, Summer Scavenger Hunt, and Alphabet Tricks. These are fun challenges geared toward enhancing your training by utilizing your dog’s skills and your creativity. These challenges also come with a PDF certificate, optional hardcopy certificate and custom ribbon.
What are you waiting for? Grab your treat bag, your dog’s favorite toy, and get started! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions along the way!