The Power of Trick Training

I always recommend tricks, and I mean always! Whether you just brought home a new puppy or you’re working with a dog that struggles with focus issues, trick training is the way to go. Heck, even if your pup’s recall is lacking, trick training can make all the difference.

I know what you’re thinking – “Why on earth would I teach tricks when my dog can’t even come when called?” Trust me, I used to wonder the same thing until I saw the transformative power of trick training with my own furry companions.

Now, teaching your dog to shake a paw or roll over isn’t going to magically fix their recall. What it will do, however, is strengthen the bond you share and establish you as the bringer of good things. You see, dogs love to think and learn, and once they’ve had a taste of the skill-building that comes with trick training, they’ll be hungry for more.

Think about it this way – if someone came into your home and started babbling at you in a strange language, it would get pretty frustrating pretty quickly, right? Well, that’s what life is like for our canine companions. Trick training helps them learn to interpret our communication, one fun, positive repetition at a time.

Building a Stronger Bond

The more tricks you teach your pup, the more they’ll learn to read you and understand what you’re asking of them. And guess what? Once they’ve got that down, you’ll have a much more willing partner when it comes time to work on that all-important recall.

You see, tricks are always fun, and that joy of learning creates a positive association that carries over to other areas of training. A dog who loves learning from you is going to be a much better student than one who views training as a chore.

As the experts at McCann Dogs put it, “Once your dog loves learning, you can work towards teaching them any skill – including the crucial ones like coming when called.”

Conquering Stress and Anxiety

Trick training doesn’t just build confidence – it can also help your pup overcome stress and anxiety. Think about it – if you’re in a new or potentially overwhelming situation, you can refocus your dog’s attention by calling on their trick repertoire. The positive associations they’ve built up will help make the environment less stressful.

For example, if you’re at the vet’s office, you can work on tricks in the lobby and exam room to help alleviate any tension. Your dog will be so focused on performing their “high five” or “spin” that they’ll forget all about their surroundings.

Putting it into Practice

Ready to get started with trick training? The folks at BirdTricks have some great advice – trick training builds confidence in your pup and makes them want to show off for the people around you.

One easy trick to start with is “paws up,” where your dog places their front paws on an elevated surface on cue. The Animal Welfare Society has a step-by-step guide to teaching this simple but effective trick.

And if you need some inspiration, be sure to check out the KikoPup YouTube channel – it’s chock-full of trick training tutorials to get you and your pup started on the path to confidence and success.

Remember, the key is to keep it fun and low-stress. Tricks should be a game, not a chore. With patience and positivity, you’ll be well on your way to building an unbreakable bond with your four-legged friend.

So what are you waiting for? Head on over to iHaveDogs.com and let’s get started on your trick training journey!