I teach my dogs pretty much everything they need to know via tricks. Afterall, agility, obedience, tracking, disc dog... - it's all just another dog trick.
Tricks train them to think, to use their body and mind. Tricks teach them that there is no difference between working and playing and gives them the right attitude. Teaching tricks teaches them that they’re the smartest dogs in the world, that there are no mistakes and no failure, that trying things is good. Tricks give them confidence in their thinking abilities and moves, improve their strength, balance and coordination. Tricks build a bond between me and them and create a deeper understanding for them how I think and for me how they think. Tricks make them feel important, smart, confident, needed and bonded with me.
Tricks are very important for young dogs as they learn to use their body and mind that way. They're also great for cross training of competing dogs, it keeps all the muscle active and strong and prevents injuries. And it's especially great for old dogs, as tricks keep them mentally and physically active and that's what keeps them young and healthy.
AND they don't take much time, space or equipment, so you don't have any excuse not to teach some tricks to your dog!
Here is the right place to post your videos to give us some ideas, to ask questions on "how to" or ask for a suggestion if you get stuck somewhere on a way.
Here comes one of my favourite videos:
To learn more about tricks, please see my training DVDs on tricks.
Hi Silvia,
You are a talented clicker trainer and a huge inspiration to us. Your dogs are amazing dogs with so much personality and enthusiasm for life:).
Thanks! Great videos!!!
Kaine is a 3 year old German Shephed Dog. All of Kaine’s training has been done with the use of positive reinforcement and clicker training.
Clicker training rocks:)!
More clicker trained tricks:). Many of Kaine’s tricks were taught with shaping. The others were taught with capturing and luring.
BTW, your new puppy Le is stunning!
I have a question about clicker training: I’ve shaped many tricks using the clicker, but lately I’ve been getting very frustrated. My dog will just stand and stare at me instead of offering behaviors, or he will continue to offer the trick “speak”. At that point, what should I do?
I found the easiest to overcome this problem is to offer a dog an object to interact with. If you put something on the floor, the dog might take a quick look at it and that’s already a start. Also, you can try clicking for anything that is NOT staring or barking and go from there.
I love your videos!!! I would love to see one with no music so I can hear what cues you are using etc.
I don’t think my first comment worked, but my dog has had problems focusing (going off and sniffing, running away, not paying attention) during agility do you have any tips on how to increase his focus?
Also, I have a question about Clicker Training:
I’ve shaped many tricks with him, but we’ve gotten to a point now where when i sit down with the clicker, he won’t offer anything and will just stare at me, or start sniffing, or he will continuously offer the “speak” trick. Do you have any ideas on how to help these situations? Thanks!
Oh. Nevermind. I just saw it. Sorry!!! But I just added the first part!
I think focus problems were invented so that dog trainers could sell more videos:). In my opinion, it all comes down to motivation. Find something that he REALLY loves (a toy, a game, a treat, running, jumping up at you???), use it and focus problems will disappear.
You its wonderful coach !!!!!!!!!!!!
Hi Silvia,
You are very talented coach !!!!! I am madly in love your tricks.
Cool, this counting for hide and seek at the tree. Love it.
And curling in a blanket looks so cute.
We are from Russia, but for us you are a talented coach and a great clicker an inspiration for us! A La easy once and won our hearts with her character!!
Wow, what a lively Cocker! And what a cute puppy!
I think that this trick is somewhat new.