Training

|

2 min read

|

0

Comments

How to Train Your Dog to Be Sneaky

Training

|

2 min read

|

0

Comments

How to Train Your Dog to Be Sneaky
Medium difficulty iconMedium
Time icon1-4 Weeks
Fun training category iconFun

Introduction

If you're looking for new and fun tricks to add to your dog's training, don't miss out on "be sneaky." This little trick is an easy progression from sit and lay down. Not only is it good for your dog's obedience training, it's also great for conditioning as it asks him to crawl and move in ways that he doesn't usually move.

Continuing to challenge your dog with new tricks is important to strengthening your relationship and bond as he has to continue looking to you for the correct cues. It's also important to teach tricks to exercise his mind as well as his muscles. Teaching your dog to be sneaky is the perfect new trick to keep both of you happy and entertained.

arrow-up-icon

Top

Defining Tasks

Before you can teach your dog to be sneaky, make sure he can already sit and stay on command. Start by taking him through a local obedience training course. The trainers can give you a good foundation to start training and help you troubleshoot any problems that may come up.

You also want to make sure your dog is healthy enough to do the trick without pain. Certain dogs might be susceptible to hip problems, especially if they are older. If you think your dog might be in pain while trying this trick, stop immediately and take him to your vet to get checked out. Tricks are meant to be a fun game for your dog, not something that causes pain.

arrow-up-icon

Top

Getting Started

This trick is perfect in its simplicity. You don't need a lot of space or too many pieces of equipment to get started. Depending on other training you're working on and your goals, you can train this trick anywhere. When you're ready to begin, make sure you have a few items on hand.

  •  Training treats
  • A short hurdle
  •  A leash

Read through the three methods below and choose the one that best fits you. With a little patience and consistency, you and your dog will have a fun new trick to share.

arrow-up-icon

Top

The Sneak Up On It Method

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon
1

Start in a 'down'

Ask him to lie down.

2

Put a treat by his nose

Hold a treat out close to his nose, but far enough that he has to stretch to get it. Give him the treat.

3

Start to crawl

Next hold the treat out just a little further so he starts to pull himself forward with his front paws. This is his first crawl forward.

4

Move the treat

Very slowly move the treat further and further so he starts to sneak forward in a crawl.

5

Give it a name

Once he's consistently crawling forward, say "be sneaky" before you give him a treat.

6

Be sneaky

When he knows the command, place the treat a foot in front of him and say "be sneaky" let him sneak up on the treat and enjoy his reward.

The Hurdle Method

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon
1

Set up your space

Set up your training space and get your hurdle set at a hight your dog has to crawl under.

2

Ask for a 'lie down'

Ask your dog to lie down in front of the hurdle.

3

Offer the treat

Offer him the treat under the hurdle. Encourage him to crawl underneath it.

4

Add another hurdle

When he is comfortably crawling under one hurdle to get the treat, add another. If you want, you can even add a third.

5

Name the trick

Now that he's crawling successfully under the hurdles, name the trick by saying "be sneaky" right before you give him a treat.

6

Take away the hurdles

Try taking away the hurdles and asking him to "be sneaky." You can go back a step until he's ready.

The Sneaky Corner Method

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon

Effective

0 Votes

Ribbon icon
1

Find a doorway

Start next to a doorway into a living room or kitchen.

2

Start with 'lie down'

Start a few feet back from the doorway and ask your dog to lie down.

3

Lure him with a treat

Start to lure him forward with a treat. Encourage him to crawl forward towards the doorway to get the treat.

4

Sneak around the doorway

Keep encouraging him to crawl forward with treats until he reaches the doorway and pokes his head around.

5

Name the trick

Keep practicing crawling through the doorway and say "be sneaky" before you give him a treat.

6

Phase out the treat

Once he's associated "be sneaky" with crawling through the doorway, you can phase out the treat. Practice giving the command while you are in the room and he is just outside, waiting to "sneak" in.

By Katie Smith

Published: 02/16/2018, edited: 01/08/2021

Training Questions

Have a question?


Wag! Specialist
Need training help?

Learn more in the Wag! app

Five starsFive starsFive starsFive starsFive stars

43k+ reviews

Install


© 2023 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.