So, grab some treats, set aside some time for training, and embark on the journey of teaching your dog these easy and essential tricks. Remember to be patient, consistent, and positive while training your puppy. Use treats, praise, and rewards to reinforce good behavior. Repetition and practice in various environments will help your puppy understand and obey these commands effectively. Sarah-Anne Reed is a holistic dog trainer, animal communicator, and owner of Pack Dynamics®. She has specialized in working with dogs since 2008.

Use a Treat to Lower Your Dog

This will cause them to instinctively flip the treat into their mouth to get it out of the way. As soon as they do this, praise them and give them another treat. When teaching a dog tricks, it is important to start with simple behaviors such as sit, stay, and come, and gradually progress to more complex behaviors. Some dogs may be natural performers, quick to learn new behaviors, while others may require more time and patience.

How to Become a Dog Trainer

Do not attempt to cut mats out of your dog’s coat yourself. One wrong movement from a nervous pup could result in serious injury.

Don’t Hoard All Your Resources

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Teach your dog to dance by holding a treat in front of their nose and slowly moving your hand in a dance move. As your dog follows the treat, they will naturally start to dance with you. Once they are dancing, give them the treat and praise them.

Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance they move backward. Teaching your dog to go to a designated spot, such as a mat or bed, is useful for control and relaxation. Begin by placing the mat or bed in a desired location and say “place” while guiding your dog onto it. Repeat this process several times until they understand the command.