How to Teach Your Dog to Balance a Treat On Its Nose

Does your dog need a cute trick to impress friends and amuse yourself? Teach your dog to balance a treat on his nose, flip it in the air and catch it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Have your dog sit in front of you. If your dog doesn't know how to sit, check my other article!

2. Make sure the dog knows you have a treat. Then, take the dog's muzzle in your hand, holding his mouth shut and his nose level. Depending on the size of the dog you might need an assistant.

3. Holding the dog's nose level and mouth shut, calmly place the treat on his nose. Count to 10 and then release his nose and say "Get it" or whatever words you want as long as they stay the same. The dog will flip the treat up and, hopefully, catch it. Praise him.

4. Repeat this often. It took my dog (a really dumb black lab) about 15 tries before he didn't fight my hand. After that, the light came on and now he comes and puts his face in my hand all by himself.

Tips & Warnings

• Be consistent and repetitive.
• DO NOT give the treat if the dog doesn't cooperate.
• Praise the dog effusively when he complies.