[Day 54] Trick training - fun, exercise and a shared sense of achievement
Basic obedience: Day 54 of 56
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
Trick training is a creative and varied way of exercising your dog both physically and mentally. It is often dismissed as a mere gimmick, but there is much more to it than that: Tricks promote agility, train concentration and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Day 54 of the training plan focuses on learning two new tricks. It's not just about the tricks themselves, but also about how to get there: training together gives your dog self-confidence and gives you the chance to improve your communication. Positive reinforcement and a clear structure make the learning process a success for both of you.
Whether it's simple tricks like "give a paw" or more complex tasks like "do a roll", trick training is suitable for dogs of all ages and breeds. The key lies in the right approach and understanding how your dog learns new behaviours.
Goal: Your dog learns 2 new tricks and you create the training plan on your own
Equipment: Leckerli, evtl. Clicker
Location: low-stimulus environment at home
Duration: 5 repetitions then break
The advantages of trick training with dogs
Trick training offers much more than just entertainment - it is an effective way to keep your dog mentally and physically active. The benefits range from improving motor skills to promoting cognitive abilities.
1. promotion of motor skills and mobility
Tricks such as "give paw", "manoeuvre" or "spin" require specific movements that strengthen your dog's entire musculoskeletal system. This not only works the muscles, but also trains body coordination. Trick training is a gentle yet challenging activity, especially for dogs with limited mobility or for young dogs that are developing their motor skills.
2. mental stimulation and problem-solving skills
Learning new tricks challenges your dog's cognitive performance. He needs to understand what is expected of him and adapt his behaviour accordingly. These challenges train his brain and he develops better problem-solving skills. It becomes particularly exciting when the tricks are built up in so-called behaviour chains - a method that we will explain in more detail later.
3. strengthening the human-dog bond
Trick training is teamwork. Your dog learns to concentrate on you and respond to your signals. At the same time, you build trust by motivating him through positive reinforcement. This joint learning strengthens the bond and communication between you and makes your relationship even more intense.
Cynological knowledge: What are behaviour chains?
Tricks consist of so-called behaviour chains - this means that a trick consists of several consecutive actions that are logically linked to each other. A typical example is retrieving. This trick is made up of several sub-actions that are in a clear sequence:
Step 1: The dog is sent to fetch the object (e.g. by signalling "fetch").
Step 2: The dog takes the object into its mouth.
Step 3: The dog carries the object back to you.
Step 4: The dog sits down in front of you and holds the object calmly in its mouth.
Step 5: Finally, the dog releases the object on your signal ("out").
ℹ Reverse construction of behaviour chains
You always train a behaviour chain from back to front. This means that the dog first learns the last action in the chain before you add the previous steps. Why? Because the dog understands the chain more easily this way and can fall back on a known, previously learnt action for each step.
Let's stay with the example of retrieving: The training is done backwards to make the process easier for the dog. You start with the last link of the chain, as this is often the most difficult part for the dog:
- Step 5: Practise "releasing" the object first. Your dog learns to let go of the object when you signal and to be rewarded for doing so.
- Step 4: Complete the sit in front of you so that the dog not only delivers the object, but also moves into the desired position.
- Step 3: Add carrying the object by motivating your dog to come towards you with the object.
- Step 2: Now practise actively picking up the object.
- Step 1: Finally, practise fetching the object by throwing or hiding it and sending your dog off.
You'll find the perfect equipment with us
Summary
Trick training is a great way to give your dog new challenges, both physically and mentally. It trains his motor skills, promotes his ability to concentrate and strengthens the bond between the two of you. The step-by-step learning of behaviour chains, such as retrieving, makes the learning process clearer and more successful for your dog. The backwards structure ensures that your dog can always build on familiar and positive experiences, which increases his motivation and self-confidence.
Whether it's simple tricks like "give a paw" or complex tasks like retrieving - trick training can be adapted to your dog's individual abilities. With patience, clear instructions and positive reinforcement, training becomes an exciting and rewarding experience for both of you.
Over the next few days, you can expect more creative ideas on how you can encourage your dog in a species-appropriate way and make your time together even more intense. Let yourself be inspired and discover the many possibilities that trick training and activity offer!
This video and training is part of the Grunge Obedience Concept, a structured programme to promote obedience and the bond between humans and dogs. The concept is carefully didactic and methodical to ensure that each exercise builds on the previous one for maximum effectiveness. It is crucial that you carry out the training in the intended order to achieve the best possible results for your dog.
The authors: Paulina & Lui
Paulina and Lui are the heart and soul behind Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store]. Her journey in dog training began with the adoption of her first list dog, Vito. This experience sparked her deep interest in teaching other dog owners about dog behaviour and training. Initially this was just a hobby, but with the adoption of the American Pitbull Amalia, who had been relinquished several times due to severe behavioural problems, her passion developed into a true vocation. Amalia's particular behavioural challenges intensified her interest in dog training and behavioural therapy. This turning point led Paulina and Lui to leave their original career paths, undergo intensive further training and dedicate themselves fully to the subject of dog training. Their work with human-dog teams also revealed a gap in the dog market: there was a lack of safe, high-quality dog accessories specifically for medium-sized and large breeds.
From this realisation, Vitomalia [Dogstraining & Store] was born, a combination of their commitment to professional dog training and the need for quality dog accessories. Paulina and Lui bring their personal experience, extensive knowledge and passion for dogs to every product to help human-dog teams live together.