3 Tricks You Can Quickly Teach Your Dog

Teaching your dog to do a trick is a matter of repetition and working with him until it is second nature. For dogs it is no different than kids or even us as adults. We do things we are motivated to do and dogs do things they are motivated to do as well. Here are a few tricks you can teach your dog to do on your command.

1. First of all dogs are quick learners. They love to please. For starters teach them to do something easy like how to sit. To do this get a small treat and have it visible in your hand. Lift it up above his nose and say "sit." If he is standing and tries to get the treat do not give it to him. Do it again until he sits. Then give him the treat and praise him. After a few times he will do it right every time.

Another way to teach a dog to sit on command is every each time you see that your dog is going to sit, tell him to 'sit!' and praise him and give him a treat when he does it. This may take a little longer, but he will learn from it as well.

2. Another quick trick to teach your dog and is to teach him to shake hands. Call his name as a command. When he is looking at you gently grab his paw and say shake. Then praise him and give him his treat. Repeat this a few times until he does it automatically without you grabbing his paw.

3. If your dog likes to play or carry things in his mouth you can quickly teach him to fetch. Just be careful as once he learns this he will not leave you alone all day. Get a ball that comfortably will fit in his mouth. Take it a few steps from where you are and give the command. "Fetch" of "Get", and then wait for him to come to the ball.

When he puts it in his mouth praise him and give him a treat. Now try tossing the ball and telling him to fetch. When he does that again praise him and give him a treat. Lastly you can teach him to get the ball and bring it to you before he gets his treat. For some dogs this is a little harder, but again once they learn it always reward them for doing exactly what you command them.

Always remember not to get angry or scold when you are teaching your dog as he is just learning what you are trying to teach him. Dogs learn at different speeds.