Trick Training Isn’t Just Trick Training

I don’t remember what spurred me to start trick training with Chief. Maybe it was joining the Instagram dog community and seeing all of the amazing things dogs are capable of. One day I realized I couldn’t name all of the tricks Chief knew because the list was getting so long. I started a document in my phone and that motivated me to keep making the list longer and longer. Suddenly, Chief achieved his 50th and most impressive trick, the foot stall. Trick training has always been a cornerstone of our relationship and obedience foundations. 

When Chickie came home, I decided I wouldn’t dive into trick training with her. I had an entirely new road map in mind for her training and was sure it would bring us success. I quickly hit an impasse with her training, and realized what I thought would work wasn’t a good match for her spunky little personality. I shifted gears and tried a more silly and less rigid approach to her training. One day, we were working on introducing the heel position, and she essentially offered an orbit with not prior experience. I couldn’t believe it- this trick took me almost a year to teach Chief! From there, I started to incorporate more tricks into her training sessions. She caught on so quickly and proved that she loves a challenge. 

Trick training is so much more than entertainment for others. Through trick training, my dogs and I have strengthened our trust in each other, improved our communication, and built our confidence with each new skill we’ve unlocked. I used to think training was “sit, down, stay, heel” on repeat. When I was forced to get creative to keep my dogs engaged and excited to train, that’s where the real progress began. 

When I feel our training is becoming stagnant, I find a new trick to train. When we go to the vet and my dogs are hypervigilant in the intimidating surroundings, I ask the vet techs to do tricks with my dogs to help them have fun and ease their anxiety (this has actually worked for us on many occasions). When my dogs need a quick mental and physical workout, a ten minute trick session leaves them tired and fulfilled. There are so many times I have used trick training to work through difficult situations with my dogs. 

Ultimately believe trick training will make me a better canine conditioning coach. This practice has helped me learn to split and scaffold movements which is an important part of conditioning. I can more clearly break down actions into pieces for the dog to learn and build upon. Certain tricks require strengthening specific parts of the body to ensure they can be completed safely and successfully. I credit a lot of Chief’s strength and athletic ability to trick training. 

I would recommend to everyone to spend five minutes a day, three to four times a week teaching your dog a new trick. You will be amazed at the difference it makes in their focus, engagement, and eagerness to work with you. Plus, imagine all of the fun party tricks you can have prepared to show off during the holidays! I am so grateful for the opportunities that truck training has brought us. Chief has his AKC Advanced trick title, and was even invited to perform live trick at a large fundraiser event this past fall. We are always working to improve ourselves and stay creative in training through trico What tricks should my dogs learn next?