Dog Tricks for Dummies, Portable Edition [96 Pgs]

Have the most talented dog in the neighborhood! Want to teach your dog the coolest tricks? This step-by-step guide helps you easily train your four-legged friend using positive reinforcement. By teaching Fido a variety of tricks — from simple moves to more complex routines — you'll fulfill your dog's desire to be the star of the show. And while you're having fun and bonding with your dog, you'll build a mutually trusting relationship. Start out with your best paw forward — develop a training strategy, know the best rewards for good behavior, and understand how your dog learns From pedigree to pet-iquette — teach basic dog manners such as sit, down, and stay; and tailor trick training based on your dog's ability and breed Teach simple tricks — from wag to wave to fetch, high five, and roll over, your dog will master these must-know moves before advancing to trickier tricks That's incredible! — take trick training to the next level and amaze family and friends with more complex tricks like closing doors and fetching a tissue Open the book and find: Basic commands for dog training Hints for clicker training Ways to praise and reward your pooch Old and new favorites to teach man's best friend Tips for keeping your dog focused on the task at hand How to choose the right tricks for your dog's body type Games you and your dog can play together Tips to keep Fido healthy, happy, and looking good Learn to: Teach your dog a range of cool tricks Train your dog using positive reinforcement Bond with your dog while having fun Entertain family and friends Dog Tricks For Dummies®, Portable Edition 1 Introduction 9 About This Book 9 Conventions Used in This Book 10 Foolish Assumptions 10 Icons Used in This Book 11 Where to Go from Here 11 Chapter 1: Getting Started with Trick Training 13 Knowing the Rewards of Teaching Tricks 14 Tools for Trick Training 14 Training with a Clicker 17 Rolling with Your Dog’s Natural Gifts 20 Trying Out a Few Basic Tricks 22 Chapter 2: Turning Your Dog into a Top Student 25 Creating a Love of Learning in Your Dog 26 Speaking Your Dog’s Language 28 Making Your Lessons Age-Appropriate 31 Tailoring Tricks by Breed 34 Considering Body Type 38 Pinpointing Your Pup’s Personality 39 Chapter 3: Teaching the Basic Manners 43 Encouraging Self-Control: Basic Commands 43 Calling Your Dog 44 Getting Your Dog in Position 46 Teaching Patience 47 Restricting with “ Nope” 49 Barking and Not Barking on Cue 51 Time for Bed: Settling Your Dog 53 Ringing a Bell to Signal That It’s Potty Time 53 Introducing Temptations 54 Chapter 4: Easy Tricks and Old Favorites 57 “Wag” 57 “Give Me a Hug” 58 “Kisses!” 59 “Paw” 59 “Wave” 61 “Other One” 61 “High Five” 62 “Fetch” 62 “Beg” 66 “Roll Over” 67 Chapter 5: Harder Tricks to Amaze Your Friends 71 “Hit it!”: Closing Doors, Turning Out Lights, Playing the Piano 71 “Achoo!”: Fetching a Tissue 74 Let’s Dance 76 Taking a Bow 78 Jump Rope 79 Jumping Through a Hoop 80 From Counting to Calculus 81 Singing a Solo 82 “Chase Your Tail” 83 Looking Embarrassed or Disgusted 84 Flipping and Catching a Treat Off the Nose 85 Chapter 6: Interactive Tricks 87 Hide and Seek 87 The Name Game: “Where’s Sally?” 88 The Shell Game 88 “Catch Me” 89 A Treasure Hunt Game: Digging for China 90 Bang! Shootout at the O. K. Corral 90 Chapter 7: Ten Tips to Keep Fido Fit and Spiffy 93 Wet Your Pooch’s Whistle with Water 93 Choose Quality Dog Food 94 Encourage Regular Exercise 95 Distract with Peanut Butter during Grooming Sessions 96 Give a Bath 96 Trim Your Dog’s Nails 97 Look into Your Dog’s Eyes 97 Clean the Ears 98 Protect the Nose 98 Tend to Your Dog’s Teeth 98