Repeat this process until your dog can dance different moves on command. Teach your dog to walk backwards by holding a treat in front of their nose and slowly backing up. As your dog follows the treat, they will naturally start to walk backwards. Once they are able to walk backwards a few steps, give them the treat and praise them. Repeat this process until your dog can walk backwards comfortably.

Your vet and/or groomer can show you how to safely trim nails. If you do not feel comfortable doing it on your own, it is usually a quick and inexpensive trip to a groomer or your veterinarian’s office.

Which dog breeds are the easiest to teach tricks?

On average, a well-trained dog can learn between 20 to 30 tricks throughout its lifetime, but this number can vary greatly depending on the individual dog. Your pup may be digging out of necessity, and giving them an easier way to cool down could be a gift to them and your garden. “For dogs that dig to stay cool, providing shaded areas or a kiddie pool can be beneficial,” says Dr. Kong. Reward them when they opt for the nondestructive cooling options so they understand what kind of behavior you prefer. If you have a breed not listed here and they are a habitual digger, they’re not an oddball. “It’s important to note that while these breeds may have a higher tendency to dig, individual dogs within any breed can vary in their behavior and preferences,” says Dr. Caos.

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These include both basic obedience commands, but also tricks like “play dead“, “spin or twirl“, “bow“, and many others. By being explicit in your training and using positive reinforcement techniques, you can effectively teach your dog these tricks.

Training not only provides mental stimulation but also strengthens the bond between you and your senior furry companion. With your dog in a standing position, ask them to spin and hold the treat right against their nose as a lure. Move the treat in a fluid, circular motion to encourage your dog to follow. Don’t allow them to take the dog treat until they have completed the rotation. Once you’ve selected the tricks you’re going to use in your dog’s routine, you’ll want to consider how the tricks will flow. During the beginning Trick Dog levels, you don’t need to tell a “story” with your trick routine. Instead, you can focus just on creating a nice flow for you and your dog.

As the puppy grows, you will be able to stand up while doing this exercise. Start with small diversions like another family member in the room and build up to larger ones like the dog park. Our top-rated pet insurance plan can help cover up to 90% of the cost. Plan coverage varies based on the age of the pet at enrollment and the deductible and reimbursement levels chosen at enrollment. Please refer to the terms and conditions of the policy, which set forth the scope of insurance being provided and address relevant state requirements.

Now that you are standing up, hold the frisbee a little higher than the dog’s mouth and horizontal to the ground, so he has to jump up to grab it. After a while, release the frisbee right before your dog jumps up to grab it. Try turning in a circle with this exercise as well. Now do the exact same exercise, only move your body in a circle away from the dog, keeping it at the height of the dog’s mouth.

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Often, the best way to remove a mat is by using your fingers, some dog conditioner, a couple of different types of combs, and a lot of time and patience. One of the best sources of information for grooming can be your dog’s breeder. An AKC responsible breeder will often have a wealth of knowledge on all topics related to their breed, including grooming tips and equipment needed to do a good job. Border Collies are known for their high intelligence and eagerness to please, making them one of the quickest learners in tricks and training. Dogs with high energy levels may benefit from training that channels their energy into constructive behaviors, such as agility or flyball.

Read more about dog tricks here.