10 Cool Tricks to Teach Your Dog
There is nothing quite as rewarding as showing off your dog’s skills with a couple of well executed tricks. Everyone enjoys a good dog trick, and it is a great way to meet new people when you are out with your pet. Here are 10 cool tricks to teach your dog that will leave your friends (and maybe even the hot girl at the park) begging for more.
Author’s Note: Since we are talking about “cool tricks” here, you won’t find the tired regulars like sit, stay, and fetch.
#10 - Walk the Dog
Walk the dog? Why is this cool? Well it’s not, unless your dog can walk his friends around. Teach your pet how to carry another dog’s leash in his mouth and lead them around. This is a great way to meet other dog owners.
#9 - Balance Treats on Nose
This trick displays both patience and skill. You balance a treat on your dog’s nose, make him hold it there for a few seconds, and on command, let him flick it up and catch it in his mouth.
#8 - Put Your Toys Away
Nothing says “good dog” like a pooch who can put his toys away. Designate an old laundry basket and teach him to clean up his things on command.
#7 - Where’s Your Tail
This is a more elaborate version of the basic spinning in circles. Train your dog to chase his tail on cue and then teach him to stop on a secondary command.
#6 - Fetch the Remote
Man’s best friend lives up to his name with this crowd pleaser. Relatively simple to teach, but practice with an old remote first to avoid damaging the main unit.
#5 - Cover Your Eyes
This one is sure to draw the compassionate “aww” from onlookers. Your dog lies down and covers his eyes with both front legs. You could also call it “hide and seek”.
#4 – Open/Close the Door
This trick is easiest for your dog when you have a patio door with a horizontal handle. You train him to jump up, pull down on the handle and close the door by pushing it with his muzzle. This one is perfect for lazy owners who can’t get off the couch to let Fido in.
#3 – Speak
Anyone can teach their dog to bark on command, but it is much more impressive if they have something to say. Two and three syllable phrases like “I Love You” and “Mommy” have the best chance of success.
#2 - Frisbee Jump
An essential trick for small dog owners who like to show off. A third person lofts the Frisbee over your head and your dog runs and jumps off your back to catch it in the air. Make your pet a YouTube star by catching this one on film.
#1 - Surfing Dog
The ultimate chick magnet! If you can train your dog to balance on a moving surfboard then you have reached the plateau of dog training. Almost as impressive is the skateboard dog for those who can’t get to the beach.
What is your dog’s best trick? If you’re still playing fetch or shaking hands, then maybe it is time to invest in a good dog training book.
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