Who, when and how to teach
Trick training of dogs is important primarily for the owners themselves. If the pet is well-mannered, this makes it easier for him to live together with his owners. For example, failure to teach a German Shepherd the rules of behavior in the house can lead to the dog turning everything around and damaging furniture.
Even small breeds, such as the York Terrier, can cause a lot of trouble on the street if they are not handled.
Important! Knowledge of simple dog commands is necessary not only for the correct behavior of the pet, but also for its safety and health.
Disobedience often leads to injury or death of the animal.
It is necessary to train not only service dogs, but also pets of small breeds
What is trick dog training?
Trick dog training is quite an interesting course for many dog breeders. During the training process, the dog handler teaches animals to perform tricks of varying complexity using commands or certain gestures.
In the process of teaching a dog specific skills, the dog trainer selects tricks, taking into account the age, character, and temperament of the dog. This discipline helps to strengthen closer contact between the animal and its owner.
Trick training is usually done by dog owners who do not have any particular behavioral problems.
General principles of animal training
When training, it is necessary to understand that small puppies do not understand human words. They associate all commands only with the emotions and mood of the owner.
If a puppy makes a puddle in the wrong place, he will understand by a loud and angry cry that he did wrong. Praising him in a calm voice, on the contrary, will let him understand how to act.
The main thing in education is consistency and patience. You cannot allow today what you were scolded for yesterday. If a dog was allowed to sleep in the same bed as its owner when he was a puppy, he will not understand why it is forbidden to do so now.
The result of training will directly depend on compliance with the principles of teaching commands. They are as follows:
- The owner gives the pet a command.
- The animal does it correctly.
- The incentive is chosen.
If the dog does not comply with a one-time command, it cannot be repeated a second time. You need to force him to follow the given command using a leash or hand.
Important! While pronouncing a command, you cannot add accompanying phrases. For example, instead of “lie down,” say “quickly lie down.” Words should not be complex, but monotonous.
There is a mandatory list of commands: “lie down”, “sit”, which cannot be replaced with other words.
You should always reward your animal for performing a trick correctly.
Why is trick training needed, the purpose of the course
The purpose of the course is to teach the dog certain actions that it must perform. The dog must understand that tricks must be performed only after giving certain commands or following the trainer’s gestures.
Training takes place in different places, under the influence of stimuli of varying strength. The dog handler moves on to learning new tricks only when the dog has mastered the previous one.
Advantages of the course or how trick training is useful:
- Improves coordination of movements;
- Unlocks the dog's potential;
- Teaches the dog endurance;
- Develops the brain, intelligence, attention, intelligence;
- Increases endurance;
- Promotes harmonious development.
Trick training is ideal for puppies and young active dogs. Initially, animals are taught to perform the simplest, simplest tricks, gradually complicating the process. For completing assigned tasks, the dog receives encouragement in the form of treats, praise, and toys.
Tricks for enthusiasts
A pet can be easily taught to fetch slippers and dance while standing on its hind legs. Unusual commands for dogs can include the cup trick. This trick is very easy to teach a dog.
Three plastic glasses are placed in front of her, they must be the same. Place a treat under one glass, then begin to move them around in front of your pet. After this, the dog is asked to find a treat. Every successful attempt should be accompanied by praise.
Tricks for graceful dogs
Pets, who due to their individual characteristics can be elegant and graceful, can easily be trained to pose as if for a photographer.
To perform the trick, the pet must sit upright, turning its head slightly. You need to start with the command “sit” so that the animal looks the owner in the face. It is recommended to use a clicker during the process to keep your pet's attention.
Then you need to choose which direction the dog will look and begin to accustom him to this. Be sure to give a treat or praise if the animal turns in the right direction. The position must be secured with the “pose” command.
Tricks for modest dogs
This trick begins with the command “lie down”. The dog should lie down with its chin between its front paws. You need to get her to look at her owner. This makes it more interesting and convincing.
If the dog remains in the desired position, you need to praise it or give it a treat. The clicker should be used until the pet begins to remain in the position for several seconds. You can consolidate the trick with the phrase “I’m guilty.”
Family tricks
A favorite pet can be a great substitute for an alarm clock in the morning. To do this, you need to choose a family member whom the pet will lick in the morning to wake up.
During training, this family member should lie on his back with a treat in his hand. First you need to force the pet to get what the owner has in his hand. As soon as he approaches the clenched palm, you need to reward and use the clicker. Gradually the bait is removed.
The dog should just climb onto the owner’s bed and push him. You can perform an action using the “wake up” command.
A dog that knows how to wake up its owner in the morning will bring special joy to all family members
Tricks for agile dogs
The list of interesting tricks can be supplemented with an exercise called “ring the bell.” The dog must learn to do this with its paws and nose.
This is not only effective, but also practical. For example, you can teach an animal to signal in this way that it wants to go to the toilet. To make it easier for your pet, you can hang several bells on a long rope. Reinforcement should be given until the dog begins to fulfill the necessary condition.
Attention! You need to hang a bell at the front door and train your pet until he gives signals consciously.
Tricks for two or more dogs
If there are two dogs in the house, you can teach them the “Lying somersault” trick. The owner needs to place the pets in such a way that there is a distance of at least one meter between them.
First, the command “lie down” is given, then one of the dogs must be commanded to “roll”. The rest must remain in place. You can give a command to all dogs at once. If the pets perform the trick in turn, you need to call it “somersault”; to perform it together, the command “all together” is used.
To train or not to train a dog
Dog breeders have different needs; for some, it is enough that the dog brings a stick to the command “Fetch” or accurately executes the command “Place”. But if you want to diversify your daily pastime with fun tricks that can make any skeptic smile, you can’t do without training.
A dog trainer, in addition to correcting behavior, can teach the dog various circus trick movements, including:
- pretend to be dead during training, like a possum,
- spin around its axis, both lying and standing,
- bring certain things that are in another room by trick method;
- stand on your hind legs;
- hold a treat on your nose and then quickly eat it;
- walk between the owner's legs like a snake.
A dog that knows how to follow standard commands - lie down and sit down - will not only enjoy new trick commands, but will also bring a lot of joy to household members and guests. After completing the training, each next walk will be filled with a series of funny and curious moments and will remain in the memory for a long time.
It is more convenient to seek training services at the Araks center in Moscow, they provide a whole range of services, since in one place the process of learning tricks can be easily combined with a veterinarian examination, groomer services, etc. Useful information about the cost of trick services and choosing a specialist can be obtained on our website or by phone.
After completing training with us, your pet will:
- walk obediently next to the owner, both with and without a leash;
- when the owner stops, the pet will also stop and sit next to him without an additional command;
- carry out commands both near the owner and at a distance;
- execute commands when the owner uses only gestures;
- behave patiently in any position for a long time;
- on the command “come to me!” approach the owner immediately in any situation;
- always follow the command “to your place!” ;
- execute the command “Aport!” and bring any items;
- immediately execute the command “fu!” ;
- do not react to loud sounds on the street: traffic noise, siren sounds, gunshots and other loud sounds.
Circus team training
Interesting circus teams for dogs can be used for pets that are easy to train. They are distinguished by their developed intelligence. For example, you can teach your dog the following commands:
- “Be healthy” - the pet will bring a handkerchief if the owner sneezes;
- “Bow” - the dog performs movements, raising the upper part of the body, stretching out its front paws;
- “Snake” - a trick suitable for dogs of short breeds; the animal walks around the owner’s legs.
Important! Only an owner who has a sufficient amount of knowledge and skills can teach a pet circus acts.
How to avoid mistakes when training a dog
The owner must know not only what tricks can be taught to the dog, but also how to do it correctly. You cannot start training a pet that is not physically and emotionally ready for it.
After completing the exercises, the dog should be given time to rest. It is necessary to complete training before the dog is completely exhausted.
Important! There's no need to rush. This can lead to a nervous breakdown in your pet. You can start learning new commands only after the animal has fully reinforced the previous one.
When bringing a dog into the house, every owner must understand that it is his responsibility to teach the pet. Not only a professional service dog, but also a small decorative dog must know commands, be obedient and well-mannered.
Is it possible to do without training?
Some dog owners are convinced that the need to train an animal is not their case. We have collected several myths to refute them.
Myth One: German Shepherds do not need professional training due to their natural abilities.
Indeed, German Shepherds are smart dogs. However, their potential needs to be revealed, like the intellectual abilities of any gifted child. A shepherd dog that has not received professional training can behave unpredictably, just like any other dog breed.
Myth two: only those dogs that participate in exhibitions are trained.
Probably no one will argue that it is necessary to take care of dogs that are not exhibited. Training is an important part of grooming. This builds trust between the owner and the animal and makes communication with the outside world safe.
Myth three: it is not necessary to take a general training course - you can immediately move on to more complex teams.
This misconception is perhaps the most dangerous. OKD is the foundation on which the animal acquires all other skills. It is impossible to solve integral equations without knowing the multiplication tables. Likewise, fundamental training is important for a dog.
We offer you professional dog training services in the Southern Administrative District. Any questions? We are always happy to advise you!