Happy December 10th: Teach your dog the trick "Feet"! 🐾👣
Feet is a cool and fun trick where your dog stands on your feet and walks with you as if they have "stilts". It's an exercise that requires trust, body control and lots of cooperation, but it's also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. 🐶❤️
To get started, it's a good idea if your dog already knows the "Middle" trick - where he stands between your legs. But even if he doesn't, you can easily teach him Feet by taking small steps at a time. Here are two methods you can choose from:
1️⃣ Shaping: Let the dog think for itself
This method involves the dog discovering what it takes to get the reward. The treat is hidden until the dog offers the desired behavior.
1. Start in Middle: Have the dog stand between your legs a few times.
2. Spread your legs: Stand with your feet pointing slightly inward. When the dog touches your feet, mark and reward.
3. Step up: Wait until the dog offers to stand on your feet – reward immediately!
4. Small movements: Slowly start moving your toes while the dog is standing at your feet.
5. Take a step: Carefully take a step forward and reward generously.
6. Set the signal: Once the dog is standing steadily, you can add a signal such as “Feet” or “Stilts.”
2️⃣ Lure: Treat before behavior
This method uses treats to guide the dog into place.
1. Spread your legs: Lure the dog between them, reward, and throw a treat. Repeat several times.
2. Put your feet together: When the dog is comfortable, move his feet closer together so that he hits your feet while you lure.
3. Straighten your feet: Gradually straighten your feet until they point straight ahead.
4. Move the toes: Start moving the feet a little while the dog is standing on them – and reward diligently.
5. Take small steps: Start with a single step at a time and build slowly.
6. Signal: When the dog is confidently standing and walking at your feet, you add a signal.
Important: Remember to go slowly so that the dog always feels safe and secure.
Ready to try?
Take your time and make training a game. 🥳 How are you learning the trick? Share your progress or questions in the comments on Facebook – we look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing about your experiences! 📸🐾
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and regularly as a facilitator of webinars, workshops and articles. Zara has also helped start the "Dog University" at DKK, and is responsible for the course content for this.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.
Advent Calendar with Dog Life in Door 10 - Teach your dog the trick "Feet"
Happy December 10th: Teach your dog the trick "Feet"! 🐾👣
Feet is a cool and fun trick where your dog stands on your feet and walks with you as if they have "stilts". It's an exercise that requires trust, body control and lots of cooperation, but it's also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. 🐶❤️
To get started, it's a good idea if your dog already knows the "Middle" trick - where he stands between your legs. But even if he doesn't, you can easily teach him Feet by taking small steps at a time. Here are two methods you can choose from:
1️⃣ Shaping: Let the dog think for itself
This method involves the dog discovering what it takes to get the reward. The treat is hidden until the dog offers the desired behavior.
1. Start in Middle: Have the dog stand between your legs a few times.
2. Spread your legs: Stand with your feet pointing slightly inward. When the dog touches your feet, mark and reward.
3. Step up: Wait until the dog offers to stand on your feet – reward immediately!
4. Small movements: Slowly start moving your toes while the dog is standing at your feet.
5. Take a step: Carefully take a step forward and reward generously.
6. Set the signal: Once the dog is standing steadily, you can add a signal such as “Feet” or “Stilts.”
2️⃣ Lure: Treat before behavior
This method uses treats to guide the dog into place.
1. Spread your legs: Lure the dog between them, reward, and throw a treat. Repeat several times.
2. Put your feet together: When the dog is comfortable, move his feet closer together so that he hits your feet while you lure.
3. Straighten your feet: Gradually straighten your feet until they point straight ahead.
4. Move the toes: Start moving the feet a little while the dog is standing on them – and reward diligently.
5. Take small steps: Start with a single step at a time and build slowly.
6. Signal: When the dog is confidently standing and walking at your feet, you add a signal.
Important: Remember to go slowly so that the dog always feels safe and secure.
Ready to try?
Take your time and make training a game. 🥳 How are you learning the trick? Share your progress or questions in the comments on Facebook – we look forward to seeing your pictures and hearing about your experiences! 📸🐾
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and regularly as a facilitator of webinars, workshops and articles. Zara has also helped start the "Dog University" at DKK, and is responsible for the course content for this.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.