How to Train Your Dog The "Play Dead" Trick

Dog training should be fun and enjoyable, at the same time, it's the moment where you can create bond with your dog. But, when this activity is not done in the right way, your dog might feel so stress and so will you as the owner. There are various tricks that may be amusing to the owner as well as the people around the dog. One that is quite interesting in nature is the "play dead" trick. As usual, treats are needed to encourage the dog to do some tricks. Not only that, you need to praise the dog when he or she can do the task successfully. For starter, "play dead" trick might a little bit difficult if you have never trained your dog to do some basic tricks, therefore, it is suggested that you teach the dog on how to do some simple tricks such as sit and lay down.

Once this is done, try saying play dead or with a finger pointing as a gun, say bang! bang!. After that, position them in a way that they are lying down on the floor on their back. Wait for a few seconds before a treat is to be given as well as some deserving praise. Some trainers also recommend to first say "play dead" when the dog is laying down on their back naturally. This will help them relate the word with what they are currently doing. This process is to be repeated frequently so that the dog will remember how to do them. During the first few minutes, it is best to constantly give them treats when they have accomplished the trick. However, after a while, try to lose the treat and give them lots of praises instead. After a while, they will be able to lay down by just listening to the command given by the owner. Repeat this activity in few days.

As I wrote earlier, if your dog couldn't do the trick at first, don't worry, it's common that not all dogs can do this trick at first. Never in any way punish these dogs for not being able to do these tricks. Instead, try to make the process as enjoyable as possible. This way, your dog will feel relax, no pressure, and it can learn the trick faster, at the same time, it will increase the bond between the two of you.

Dog training can be fun for both the owner and the dog, you just need the right dog treats and some patience. Join our newsletter to get information about dog training aids.