How to Train a Dog to Get a Beer From the Fridge

Dog Carrying Beer

Dogs have been "man's best friend" for around 15,000 years. They were domesticated in eastern China and may very well be the first animal species to be domesticated by humans. Dogs have been trained to do numerous difficult tasks over the years, but with easier times in the world, humans have the chance to teach their dogs tricks that come in handy in the modern world. Enter the beer-fetching dog.

Things You'll Need

• Large breed of dog (dog's mouth must be large enough to carry can)
• Canned beer (bottles may hurt the dog's mouth or break)
• Koozies (Foam can holders)
• Towel or rag (for dog to pull refrigerator open with)
• Doggy treats (as rewards)

Instructions

Train a Dog to Get a Beer From the Refrigerator

1. Train your dog to first take the can on command. Use a command that your dog doesn't currently associate with any other trick. Use treats to reward your dog for taking the can on command. Once again, ensure that your can has a Koozie on it. Continue this until your dog successfully picks up the can on every command.

2. Teach your dog to get the can from inside an open refrigerator. Do this by standing with the refrigerator door open and giving your dog the command to get the beer. Once again, continue this training until the dog knows to take a beer from the refrigerator on command. Ensure that the beer is on a low shelf so that your dog doesn't have to climb into your refrigerator to get it.

3. Take a rag and train your dog to tug at it. Do this by playing tug-of-war with your dog. It is best to use a rag that the dog has not come in contact with before, as he will better understand that this rag is specifically for getting your beer.

4. Put the rag on the refrigerator door after your dog has gotten the idea of tugging on the rag. Now encourage your dog to take the rag and pull on it. You may need to hold the rag out to your dog to help him get the idea to bite and pull. Continue this and encourage your dog to continue pulling on the rag until the door opens. Again, make sure to reward your dog when he accomplishes this feat.

5. Continue training your dog with Steps 1 to 4 to ensure your dog picks up on the trick. Pretty soon, you'll no longer have to leave the couch to get a beer.

Tips & Warnings

• Obviously, you can train your dog to do this with canned colas as well.

• It is best to do the training on hardwood or tile floor. This will ensure you don't get a giant mess on your carpet while your dog is still learning.

• Always remember to reward your dog, even after he has learned the trick. It will give him incentive to repeat the trick when you want.

• If you don't use Koozies, you will get bite holes in your canned beer.

• Remove the towel from the refrigerator so your dog doesn't get into the fridge while you're away.

• If your refrigerator door will not close on its own, there is a good chance you could be refrigerating the entire house every time your dog brings you a beer.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish