Fix Behavior Problems
Teaching tricks can help you be more creative about fixing behavior problems with your dog. If you take the time to evaluate why your dog is doing what he is doing, you will figure out a solution that works for you. Some dogs that bark too much are quieter if they are allowed to carry a toy to a visitor. Dogs that jump can learn to do a Bow or Sit and Wave in exchange for petting from guests, or they can do their best version of Roll Over or Play Dead if you need to relax a non — dog person who is afraid of your large dog.
Whatever the problem, use tricks in place of the inappropriate behavior to redirect the dog's energy and enthusiasm. The key here is to make sure that you practice the trick in all different kinds of environments with all different kinds of distractions until your dog's response to the cue is immediate and perfect. The more distraction-proof your tricks are, the more useful they will be to you when you ask the dog to do them.
You will find that dogs with lots of energy are really good at learning tricks. They offer a lot of natural behaviors that are easy to capitalize upon and turn into a trick. Little dogs love to stand on their hind legs or jump in place to see what's on the table, for instance, while big dogs like to spin in circles and stand on their hind legs to take a look out the window or to get your attention.
Teaching your dog simple tricks in one-to three-minute sessions several times a day can help alleviate boredom and create a more content dog. Giving your dog something to think about is a definite furniture saver, but it does not replace common sense about using gates, crates, and pens to keep your dog from getting into trouble in your absence.
Self-Control
Training an energetic dog is fun because they don't tire as easily as other dogs, and they are always willing to try something new. An energetic dog will go along with just about any crazy trick you can dream up; they live for attention any way they can get it. Combining a romp in the park with tricks can give your dog an awesome workout and teach him manners and self-control at the same time.
Most people who own energetic dogs complain at some point about the dog's lack of self-control. Dogs don't just grow out of this; without training they will not one day wake up and behave better. If you don't put the time into training your dog to have better overall manners, you will live with a whirling dervish that never learns to simply hang out with people.
Know the Limits
Performing tricks requires some measure of control on the dog's part because she has to pay attention to your cues and get feedback on what's going right. Dogs that are constantly on the move need skilled trainers who can give them lots of feedback and break the exercise down into tiny steps. Trying to push such dogs too far too fast will result in frustration for both of you. Teaching a dog should be fun regardless of what you train your dog to do. The end result will be a dog that is an enjoyable companion and a treasured member of your family.
