Looking for things to do with your dog during lock down? Why not try some new tricks to impress friends and family. Here are a few of our go-to favourites:

Speak

This will be easier if your dog is naturally more vocal, however it is still possible with a quiet dog.

1. First you will have to get your dog excited by throwing their favourite toy, or using your voice.
2. Once your dog barks, mark it straight away by saying "good” and reward with a yummy treat.
3. Repeat. And when your dogs starts consistently offering a bark, add in the verbal cue “speak”.
4. Practice several times a day.

Kiss (or as we like to call it, gimme me some sugar)

1. Dab some peanut butter on your cheek (or another treat of similar consistency).
2. Give the verbal cue “kiss” and lean toward your dog and let them lick the treat from your cheek.
3. If you practice this for a few minutes several times a day, your dog will be eager to plant one on your cheek every time you give the cue.

High five

1. Firstly, get your dog into the sitting position and stand in front of him with a treat in your hand.
2. Put the treat in the palm of your hand and hold it steady with your thumb
3. Hold your palm out towards your dog with your thumb still holding on to the treat
4. Give the verbal cue “high five”
5. Your dog might try and get to the treat under your thumb, but make sure they don’t eat it.
6. Instead extend your palm towards your dog again and give the cue “high five”
7. Eventually your dog will tire of trying to sniff and get at the treat and paw your hand, as soon as they do this say “high five”, tap their paw with your hand and offer up the treat.
8. Continue to practice this several times a day until eventually you can hold your palm up, give the command and get a high five from your dog without the lure of a treat.

Take a bow

1. Have your dog stand in front of you whilst you kneel or sit on the floor.
2. Take a treat and hide it in your hand.
3. Move your hand slowly under your dogs head and towards their back legs. You will then see your dog trying to follow the treat and stretching their front legs. They should leave their bum up in the air.
4. If they lie down completely, start again from the beginning.
5. Once you manage to get your dog into the position mark it with the cue “bow”.
6. Practice repeating this so your dog gets used to the word.
7. Little by little, extend the amount of time the treat is in your hand while your dog holds the bow position and eventually take away the treat and just give the cue.

Sit Pretty (beg)

1. Grab a treat and get down on your dog’s level whilst your dog sits in front of you.
2. Once your dog has smelt the treat begin to slowly lift it until it is above him.
3. Once your dog’s paws are off the ground praise them and give them the treat.
4. Repeat, and each time your dog lifts their hind legs say “sit pretty”, praise and treat.