๐พ We love talking to our dogs โ but do they actually understand us?
The answer is: more than you might think!
Sure, they might not get every word, but they definitely catch our tone, body language, and those magic words like โtreatโ and โwalkโ! ๐ถ๐
And when it comes to teaching tricks โ treats are a must! ๐
๐ Check out someย fun, easy tricks you can try with your pup, and grab some tasty training treats to make learning extra fun (and extra delicious)! ๐โจ
๐ถ Dogs Listen Differently Than We Do
Dogs donโt necessarily understand every word we say. Instead, they pick up on tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language to figure out what we mean.
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๐ฃ Tone Matters More Than Words
For example, when you say โLetโs go for a walk!โ โ they may not understand the exact words, but your excited tone and movement let them know something fun is about to happen.
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๐พ Dogs Are Masters at Reading Body Language
Dogs are amazing observers.They watch how you walk, move your hands, and even your facial expressions to guess whatโs coming next.
Actions and emotions speak louder than actual words to them.
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๐ง Dogs Learn Word Associations
Though dogs donโt have a language system like humans, they can learn to associate certain words with actions or rewards through repetition.
Words like: โSit,โ โStay,โ โTreat,โ and โWalkโ
They arenโt understanding the meaning โ theyโre connecting the sound of the word to what usually happens next.
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๐ถ Beyond "Sit": Fun, Easy Tricks for Smart Dogs
Teaching your pup to โsitโ is just the beginning! Dogs are way smarter than we often give them credit for, and they love a good challenge โ especially if treats are involved. ๐
Looking to strengthen your bond while giving your dog a mental workout? Try these fun and simple tricks that are perfect for daily practice, no matter if youโre indoors or out.
โ 1. โGive Me Fiveโ (High-Five!)
To teach your dog "Give Me Five," start by having them sit. Hold a treat in your closed hand near their paw and wait for them to lift it. When they do, say "Good job!" and give the treat. Once they get the hang of it, open your palm and say "Give me five!" before they touch your hand. Reward and repeat in short
โ Tip: Use small, tasty treats for quick rewards and keep sessions short
and fun!Beef Recipe
๐ 2. โSpinโ in a Circle
To teach your dog to spin in a circle, hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it in a circle around their head. As your dog follows the treat, theyโll naturally turn in a circle. Once they complete the spin, say โYes!โ or give a click, and reward them with the treat.
After a few tries, start saying the word โSpinโ just before you move your hand. Keep practicing until your dog can spin with just the word or a small hand motion.ย
โ How to: Hold a treat near your dogโs nose and slowly move it in a circle. Say โSpinโ as they follow it around, then reward!
ย Chicken Tots
๐ฃ 3. โSpeakโ on Command
To teach your dog to โSpeakโ on command, first get them a little excited by showing a treat or toy. Wait for them to bark naturally, then immediately say โYes!โ and give them a treat. Repeat this a few times so they start to connect barking with getting a reward.
ย Once they get the idea, start saying โSpeak!โ right before you expect them to bark. When they do, praise and reward them. Practice this a few times each day, and soon your dog will learn to bark when you say โSpeak.โ Itโs also a good idea to teach โQuietโ after, so you can stop the barking when you need to!
โ Pro Tip: Teach โSpeakโ together with a โQuietโ cue for ultimate control.
Chicken Recipe
๐ฆด 4. โLeave Itโ โ Self-Control Superpower
To teach your dog โLeave It,โ start by holding a treat in your closed hand and letting your dog sniff or paw at it. When they stop trying, say โYes!โ and give them a different treat from your other hand. Do this a few times, then start saying โLeave itโ when you show them the closed hand. When they back away, reward them. Next, try holding the treat in your open palm โ if they go for it, close your hand. When they leave it alone, say โYes!โ and give a better treat.
Practice placing treats on the floor, covering them if needed, and saying โLeave it.โ Always reward with something tastier when they listen. Slowly practice this during walks or around distractions.
โ Once theyโve mastered this, you can even film a โdonโt eat yetโ challenge for fun!
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Chicken Jerky Chips
๐ Tricks = Time Well Spent
Remember, the goal isnโt perfection โ itโs connection. The time you spend teaching these little tricks is full of trust, teamwork, and tail wags. Add in some healthy, delicious treats (like ourย Training Treats ๐) and youโve got a recipe for success!
