Dancing is a task that greatly develops a sense of balance and strengthens the back muscles, which can help you with a lot of additional tricks or simple sports activities. However, you also have to take into consideration that this trick will open up new opportunities for your dog. It’s not the first time we’ve heard of a case where by dodging the ‘no jumping on the table’ rule, dogs that have recently learned to stand on two feet will eat everything they can find on the dinner table by standing next to it instead of leaning against it!
Task:
Hold a treat in your hand and slowly raise it in front of your dog’s nose, enticing her to rise after it too. As soon as her first two legs rise, praise and reward, making sure she gets the treat while still being in the air. Repeat this, gradually increasing your expectations. If she leans on you, step back and start again. If she’s doing well, you can also add a command word, “dance”.
Tips:
👉 Avoid slippery surfaces during exercises to avoid injuries and to make your dog feel safer.
👉 Dip a wooden spoon in something tasty and use this instead of your hands. It will take much longer for your dog to stay on two feet for the first time if she can keep licking the spoon instead of taking a bite.
👉 Don’t teach this to puppies and older dogs, or at least only in very small steps with infrequent exercises.
👉 It helps if you use a clicker to confirm even small steps quickly and accurately.
