How to Train Your Dog to Act Like He Was Shot

It's a shootout! You on one side, a hardened toy-killer on the other. Tensions are high as you stare each other down. The furry foe goes for his gun, but you are faster. Bang, bang! He stumbles slowly and falls to the ground.

If you want to get laughs from any who visit your home, why not teach your pooch to act like he's been shot? It sounds a little gruesome, but once you see it, the only thing you'll die of is cuteness.

To teach your canine to be an actor straight out of an old Western, all you'll really need is an afternoon of work. Pups who are a little more mature tend to learn faster with this one, as some basic commands are needed before they can get dramatic.

There are a few variations of this fun trick, some with your dog standing, and others with the pooch laying down. The idea is that after you make your gun noise (by saying the word “pow!” or “bang!”) your fur buddy rolls over and plays dead. If you train it right, not only will people love it, but your dog will have fun performing as well.

To prep your pup for his acting career, you'll need a few things. To be prepared, make sure to have:

• Treats: Whenever you're training your dog a cool trick, yummy snacks are your best friend.

• A Clicker: This snazzy little gadget can help your pup learn new things fast. Pick one up at your local pet store.

• A Few Hours: Designate half a day to teach your dog how to act like he was shot without interruptions. This way you can practice, making success more likely.

• Patience: If your pup isn't getting it at first, take a second and chill out. Don't get frustrated, it will only distress your canine and make him less likely to learn.

If your dog has mobility issues or is in his senior days, maybe skip out on teaching him the standing version of this trick. A bit of fun is not worth injuring your best buddy.

Below are a few methods you can try to teach your dog to be shot dead (for pretend!) See what one suits you and your pooch the best, and give it a go.