Dog Tricks Even You Can Teach Your Pet

Dog trainer and author MacDonald (Knack Dog Care & Training) suggests adding tricks to dogs’ daily routine to “hone obedience skills and overall good behavior” for dogs and teach their humans to be better trainers able to find activities in which the dogs excel. The tricks cover basic, intermediate, and advanced behaviors, such as sit, shake hands, cookie on the nose, canine courier, counting, even dancing! The author offers techniques such as click training and sequencing while giving modification tips for larger-breed dogs when necessary. MacDonald frequently notes that trick training should be a positive experience for dog and human and acknowledges that not all tricks work for all breeds owing to age, physical limitations, and general breed temperament. This book contains an index, glossary, and a resource directory with recommendations for further reading, dog supplies, dog gear, and various dog breed organizations. Easy-to-read text boxes reinforce each chapter’s main points.