How to Train a Puppy to Do Tricks

It's important to maintain your puppy's attention.

Training a puppy is simple, as long as you're dedicated, patient, and you have the time to do it. By following some easy steps, you can help your puppy learn basic tricks such as "sit" and "stay." At the same time, you'll be building a foundation of positive and effective communication with your puppy. The training process itself is a bonding time for a dog and its trainer, keeping them both mentally and physically active and challenged.

Things You'll Need

• Quiet space, such as in the house, a backyard or the park Leash Training treats

Instructions

1. Put your puppy on his leash and take him for a brisk walk before taking him to the training spot. A restless, bored puppy can be easily distracted, but once his high energy is spent, he'll find it easier to focus on you. While walking, make sure he stays with or slightly behind you --- don't let your puppy walk you.

2. Leave the leash on your puppy while training; with time, it will become a sign that you want his attention. If you're having trouble getting your puppy's attention with a single call of his name, use a physical cue, such as a hand on the back of his neck, combined with a specific noise like a finger snap or a loud hiss. Eventually, you should be able to resort to only the physical cue or the sound to get his attention.

3. 

   Walk your puppy through the trick you want to teach her, reinforcing it with a verbal command when you begin the trick, and once it is executed. For example, if you're teaching sit, get your puppy's attention, clearly and confidently say "sit" once, press his rear to the ground, and repeat "sit" once more.

4. Reward your puppy with a treat once the trick is completely executed. Rewards for completing a trick should not always be food treats. A show of affection, such as an encouraging voice and some petting, is also a fitting reward.

5. Repeat step 3: Bring the puppy out of the sit position, then gently put him back in it, repeating the command once before you start, and again once he's sitting. Repetition is the only way to teach a trick to a puppy.

6. Work on the trick for fifteen to thirty minutes per day, and even occasionally throughout the day, if it's a simple trick.

7. Work with your puppy on learning and practicing the trick every day until he can execute it smoothly. Some puppies will learn more quickly than others, but consistent and ongoing practice will lead to faster learning.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't repeat command words. Say it once assertively, then reinforce it gently with a physical walk-through of the trick. You want your puppy to simply "sit," not "sit sit sit siiiit SIT!" Don't repeatedly call his name during training---reserve that for when you only really need his attention, such as to call him into the house. Don't use his name when you are upset and disciplining him---his own name could become a disciplining sound! If you catch him doing something you don't want him to, use your sound cue, or say his name and "stop" a single time. Don't repeatedly say "no" to your puppy, either. Again, use your physical cue or sound to stop him from doing unwanted behavior or to correct him. "No" is used too often in regular conversation. Eventually, he won't know what you're saying "no" to.

• Never use physical force, such as spankings, to show your puppy that you're frustrated. That could lead to a relationship built on fear instead of trust, which can be very stressful for both the dog and the trainer. A stressed dog often resorts to bad behaviors such as barking, digging, or in rare cases, even aggression. Keeping a leash on a puppy during training can be a good way to hold his attention, but never leave an unattended puppy on his leash, because the leash may get caught on something and strangle the puppy.

Resources

• Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, offers extensive and experienced professional advice about dog behavior that can be useful during training