I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. To date, I’ve written over 600 articles for dog owners on this site! A great trick that is really impressive is teaching the dog to balance a favorite treat on his nose until the command is given to toss it in the air and catch it. Patience is needed for this one, and the dog’s obedience skills must be very sharp.
Digging is fun for them, but you can show them there are other ways to have fun — ways that tire them out enough so they aren’t interested in digging anymore. “If your dog is bored, increasing her physical and mental stimulation through play and training can help,” notes Dr. Kong.
If you have an impulsive, hyperactive dog who cannot relax, you’d probably love to know how to calm down a hyper dog. Do not spray your dog with non-veterinarian-approved scents such as perfume. Dogs are far more sensitive to fragrance than humans, and many products contain dangerous ingredients.
Do not attempt to express your dog’s anal sacs yourself. This is better done by a groomer or vet, but your veterinarian can train you in the correct way to do it if you are so inclined. Do not use “human” beauty and hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, and toothpaste on your dog. Many human toothpastes contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Is your dog a breed that has hair covering their eyes? If so, clean with a damp cloth and keep the hair trimmed.
Whether it’s afear of strangers, other dogs, or noises like the vacuum, it can be incredibly challenging to train a fearful dog. But these dogs are absolutely worth the extra effort it takes to bring them out of their shell. Socialize your hyper dog in a controlled environment so that, at stages, you can help him adjust if his excitement becomes elevated.
What Is The Most Common Trick A Pet Dog?
Remember to be patient and consistent, as dogs learn best through repetition and positive reinforcement. Using positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and playtime, can help motivate the dog and make the learning process more enjoyable. And if you’re attuned to your dog’s cues and moods, you might find they’re picking up new commands quicker than you’d expect. Remember to be patient and consistent with your training. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, so always reward good behavior and ignore or redirect unwanted behavior.
If it’s summer or you live in a hot climate, your dog may dig holes to create a cool space to relax, says Dr. Alejandro Caos, a veterinarian with The Vets. Dirt underneath the surface is moist and untouched by the sun, so it’s much cooler to the touch than the surface. By digging a fresh hole in the dirt, your pup has created their own natural cooling system.
Read more about things to do with your dog here.
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Teach your dog to play basketball by placing a hoop on the ground and putting a ball inside of it. Then, show your dog the ball and let them sniff it. Once they are interested, start bouncing the ball in front of them. As they get closer to the hoop, encourage them to put the ball inside.
Remember to use a consistent vocal command, and be prepared to treat quickly, even if the trick is not completed 100%. Watch this video for a more detailed breakdown of the steps. Before putting tricks into a routine, you want to build up your dog’s endurance to do multiple tricks in a row.
