by Sarah Whitehead

Training a dog to do anything - sit, down or come when called, is basically teaching it to do a trick. Many people find this a difficult concept to grasp as they view ’training’ as a serious proposition, divorced from fun and enjoyment. However, the secret of all good training is to make it fun, stimulating for the subject and satisfying for the trainer. Tricks offer a perfect opportunity to do just that. They allow you to build a bond with your dog, while relaxing at the same time. They stretch your dog’s brain, whilst honing your timing and training techniques. They can win you bets in the pub, wow your friends, or make you laugh when you are feeling down, but most of all, they mean you are spending real time with your dog, teaching him or her something new, and having fun!

All the tricks in this booklet have subliminal messages for your dog – many hark back to the messages dogs themselves give each other, to denote friendliness, acceptance or play soliciting. They are suitable for all dogs, no matter what age - as long as they are physically fit - and for all owners. Children are often exceptionally good at teaching dogs new tricks - they are generally better at timing rewards and usually more patient than many adults.

Few of the tricks require any previous training, and most dogs will catch on to the trick within minutes, if the timing of giving and withholding of rewards is about right. Indeed, many owners report that after teaching a specific trick their dog will now sit on command, stay for extended periods of time and bound towards them full of joy when call - all as side effects of the trick training. For those owners who have already trained their dogs to do the basics, trick training offers a chance to teach something new, different and enjoyable, and to develop existing skills. Enjoy!

Contents