You may think teaching your dog to dance is a waste of time, but it’s not. It is a fun activity with your pup and can help improve their coordination and obedience skills.
Teaching your pup dance moves is not easy, but the effort is well worth it. Imagine having your puppy sway to your favorite song while standing on his hind legs. You can let your dog participate in exhibitions, competitions, and similar events if he becomes an expert at dancing.
So, if you’re looking for a new way to bond with your dog and help them stay sharp, teaching them how to dance is the perfect solution. Today, we will explain three dance techniques you can teach your dog and spend quality time with him during the teaching process. Let’s get started.
3 Dance Techniques You Can Teach Your Dog
You should stock up on plenty of training treats before you begin teaching your dog to dance. They come in handy during training as bait when you encourage the dog to do dance steps.
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1. Spin Dancing
The first dance technique we are going to learn is spin dancing. In this dancing, the dog moves in a circle whenever asked after proper training.
● Use Treats To Entice Your Dog
You should begin by showing your dog that you have a treat in hand in a low-distraction environment, such as the backyard or house. Hold the treat before your dog’s nose and encourage him to turn in a circle.
● Raise The Treat A Little Above The Nose
Throughout several training sessions, repeat the guided spins using a treat. Raise your hand above your dog’s head when he is comfortable moving in a circle. Ensure that the circle above him gets smaller and higher as you guide him.
- Take The Treat Away
You should remove the treat once your dog turns a circle readily when you make a hand gesture. While your dog spins around, move your hand in a circular motion, making the circle smaller gradually as you praise him.
● Now Use A Command
Once your dog is performing the spin reliably with a hand signal, a command can be added. Depending on the direction that you want him to spin, you may wish to use “spin right” or “spin left.”
- Take Away The Hand Signal
Start phasing out the hand signal once you have used it in conjunction with the verbal command several times. Don’t remove the hand signal too early since you want the behavior to be thoroughly ingrained. Repeating step 4 several times may be necessary if your dog does not respond to the command alone.
● Reverse The Direction Now
Despite the benefits of turning in one direction, it is even more beneficial for dancing to be multi-directional. Start over at step one and train your dog in the opposite direction once he has learned to spin correctly.
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2. Weave Dancing
The second dancing technique is Weave dancing. In this dance method, the dog moves between two obstacles.
● Overstepping
Most dogs don’t respond well to being stepped on by another animal or person. Start by taking small steps over and around your dog while he is relaxed to make him weave between your legs.
● Aiming To Lure
Once your dog has grown accustomed to being stepped on, you can start teaching him the weave. Allow your dog to pass through you by standing with your legs wide apart. Utilize a treat to lure him under your legs with a treat in your hand. Your puppy can now pass through, allowing just enough room for you to close your legs slowly.
● Make A Hand Gesture
You should start phasing out the lure after your dog becomes accustomed to being lured. Signify that your dog should go under your legs with a hand gesture. Swiping or pointing a finger works well here. Praising and rewarding the dog’s hard work is always a good idea.
● Add A Command
As soon as you firmly establish the hand gesture, begin adding a verbal command. It is possible to use the terms “under,” “through,” or “legs” in this context. Repetition of the word along with the hand gesture is a good way to ensure that it is understood.
● Practicing And Repeating
Practicing weaving between your legs with your dog in multiple settings and increasing distractions is a good idea.
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3. Stand-Up Dancing
The third dance you can teach your dog is stand-up dancing, where your dog stands on its paws and moves in the direction you want him to.
● Use Treats As A Bribe
Jumping up is a bad habit of reinforcing in your dog, but teaching him to stand up on command can help discourage him from jumping without being asked. The first step should be encouraging your dog to jump up or place his paws on you. The best way to accomplish this is by holding a tasty treat over the dog’s head.
● Use Hand Gestures
You can trigger standing behavior by making a hand gesture once your dog has learned to stand up. It is often a good idea to raise your hand from your waist to mid-chest with your palm up. However, any clear gesture will also suffice. Using a treat to lure your dog, make a hand gesture.
● Use Verbal Commands
You can use cues such as “up” or “dance” once your dog understands the hand gesture. Gradually phase out the use of the treatment as a lure while saying the command and making the hand gesture. If you want your dog to make a solid connection with you, you should practice the gesture and bribery numerous times.
● Increase The Standing Time
Consider prolonging the period between your dog jumping up and being treated. Your dog will learn that it must continue to perform until you command them to stop. It is physically and mentally challenging to stand, even with support. Make your dog stronger and work slowly to develop its strength.
● Begin To “Dance.”
Once your dog has become comfortable standing for some time on its legs, you should encourage them to step while standing. Support your dog as you step towards or away from them when necessary. You and your puppy will be dancing in no time at all.
Final Thoughts
Even though training your dog to dance requires dedication and hard work, it is quite rewarding. Dance training helps you spend quality fun time with your dog and bond with him.
Remember to remain patient with your dog and yourself during the training process. In the process of learning something new, you are bound to make mistakes.
