Mary Allen
Introduction: Moving Beyond Basic Training
Basic obedience training is essential for every dog, but it is only the beginning of their learning journey. Once your dog has mastered the basic commands, you can move on to teaching them more advanced tricks and behaviors. Advanced training not only enhances your dog’s skills and behavior but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.
Teaching your dog new commands and tricks can provide mental stimulation and exercise, which can help prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. It can also increase your dog’s confidence and improve their socialization skills. In this article, we will explore some of the additional commands you can teach your dog after basic training.
Teaching Your Dog to "Stay" and "Come"
"Stay" and "come" are two essential commands that can keep your dog safe in different situations. To teach your dog to "stay," start by asking them to sit and then say "stay" while taking a step back. If your dog stays in place, reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay. For "come," use a long leash and call your dog’s name while gently pulling the leash. Reward your dog when they come to you.
Teaching Your Dog to "Leave It" and "Drop It"
"Leave it" and "drop it" are crucial commands that can prevent your dog from picking up harmful or unwanted objects. To teach "leave it," put a treat on the ground and say "leave it" while covering the treat with your hand. Reward your dog with a different treat for obeying. For "drop it," hold a toy or object in your hand and say "drop it." If your dog drops it, reward them and give the object back.
Teaching Your Dog to "Heel" and "Walk on Leash"
"Heel" and "walk on leash" are commands that can help your dog walk calmly and safely beside you. To teach "heel," hold a treat by your side and say "heel" while walking. Reward your dog for staying by your side. For "walk on leash," start by letting your dog get used to wearing the leash and then gradually increase the length of the walk.
Teaching Your Dog to "Speak" and "Quiet"
"Speak" and "quiet" are fun commands that can also be useful in certain situations. To teach "speak," hold a toy or treat in front of your dog and say "speak." When your dog barks, reward them. For "quiet," say "quiet" when your dog barks and then reward them for stopping.
Teaching Your Dog to "Roll Over" and "Play Dead"
"Roll over" and "play dead" are cute and impressive tricks that can entertain your friends and family. To teach "roll over," start by asking your dog to lie down and then lure them into a roll with a treat. For "play dead," start with "roll over" and then hold your hand like a gun and say "bang." Your dog should fall onto their side as if they are playing dead.
Teaching Your Dog to "Shake" and "High-Five"
"Shake" and "high-five" are simple yet charming tricks that can make your dog stand out. To teach "shake," offer your dog your hand and say "shake." When they lift their paw, reward them. For "high-five," offer your dog your hand but hold it higher than for "shake." When they hit their paw against your hand, reward them.
Teaching Your Dog to "Fetch" and "Retrieve"
"Fetch" and "retrieve" are commands that can provide exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. To teach "fetch," start by throwing a toy a short distance and saying "fetch." When your dog brings the toy back, reward them. For "retrieve," start by teaching "fetch" and then gradually increase the distance and complexity of the task.
Teaching Your Dog to "Spin" and "Turn Around"
"Spin" and "turn around" are simple yet entertaining tricks that can impress your friends and family. To teach "spin," hold a treat by your dog’s nose and lure them in a circle while saying "spin." For "turn around," stand behind your dog and lure them with a treat while saying "turn around."
Teaching Your Dog to "Crawl" and "Bow"
"Crawl" and "bow" are commands that can provide mental and physical stimulation for your dog. To teach "crawl," start by asking your dog to lie down and then lure them with a treat while saying "crawl." For "bow," ask your dog to stand and then hold a treat by their nose while moving it towards the ground. Your dog should lower their front legs while keeping their hind legs up.
Teaching Your Dog to "Jump" and "Hop"
"Jump" and "hop" are commands that can provide exercise and mental stimulation for your dog. To teach "jump," start with a low obstacle and lure your dog over it with a treat while saying "jump." For "hop," hold a treat above your dog’s head and encourage them to jump up and touch it with their nose.
Conclusion: The Benefits of Advanced Training
Teaching your dog new commands and tricks can be fun and rewarding for both you and your furry friend. Advanced training can provide mental stimulation, physical exercise, and improve your dog’s behavior and socialization skills. It can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog and provide endless entertainment. So, don’t hesitate to move beyond basic training and start teaching your dog some new tricks today!