From Fun to Functional: How Teaching Dogs Tricks Builds Confidence
Dog Training Tricks: More Than Just a Good Show
Trick training is more than just a fun way to entertain people; it's a powerful tool for building a dog's confidence and strengthening the human-animal bond. The podcast discusses various tricks, from simple ones like "touch" and "shake" to more complex ones like "roll over," "crawl," and "back up." It also highlights how these tricks can be a way for dogs to gain confidence, especially those with behavioral issues or a nervous disposition.
Training Methods
In this podcast, we detail three common methods for teaching tricks, often using a marker (like a clicker or a specific word) to signal success:
Capturing: This method involves waiting for a dog to perform a natural behavior and then marking and rewarding it.
Luring: A trainer uses a treat or toy to guide the dog into the desired position or movement.
Shaping: This involves rewarding small, successive approximations of the final behavior until the dog performs the full trick.
Key Takeaways
Laura & Kim emphasize the importance of keeping trick training fun and positive. They advise against forcing a dog to perform a trick that appears physically difficult or makes them uncomfortable, as this can lead to insecurity. The ultimate goal is to build the dog's confidence and foster a positive relationship through enjoyable training sessions.