How to Train Your Dog to Carry a Basket
Jump to section
Introduction
What could be cuter than having your dog walk alongside you carrying a basket with a few of his favorite toys in it? Imagine how much fun it would be if you could take your dog trick or treating with the kids carrying his own "candy basket"--your neighbors are sure to get a big kick out of this. In all reality, most dogs love to feel as though they are being useful and carrying a basket is a great "trick" for your pup to master.
Teaching your dog to carry anything involves getting him used to putting things in his mouth to carry rather than eat them. As with any type of training, teaching your dog to carry a basket should be done in short training sessions of 10 to 15 minutes 3 to 4 times a day and involve plenty of praise and, of course, treats to let him know he is doing a good job.
Top
Defining Tasks
Essentially, you will be training your dog to pick up a basket and either carry it along with you as you walk or to bring it to you wherever you happen to be. You can use any command for this, but the one you choose needs to be unique to avoid any chances of confusion on his part. Try something simple like "get your basket" or more simply just "basket" as these are easier for him to understand.
This chore is more fun than it is work for the most part, but of course, you can always teach him to put a few toys in his basket so he can take them along with everyone. Imagine being able to tell your dog to put toys in his basket and then bring it along in the car when you go places.
It doesn't take long for most dogs to grasp what is being asked of them, most will learn to carry a basket within 2 to 4 weeks. You do, however, need to wait until your dog has matured enough to handle the weight and to understand what is being asked of him.
Top
Getting Started
You won't need much to start training your dog to carry a basket. In fact, all you should need is:
Treats: to reward him when he gets it right.
Clicker: a training clicker can help with certain training methods.
A basket: choose one that fits your dog's mouth and size comfortably.
Patience: you will need plenty of patience during the training phase.
A quiet place: all training should start out in a quiet place free from things that might cause distractions such as kids, other animals, television, and traffic.
Of these, patience is the most important, as even the smartest breeds need time to learn what is being taught. Take your time, spend 10 to 15 minutes per training session several times a day and it won't be long before your furry four-legged friend is carrying his own basket everywhere.
Top
The Peanut Butter Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Bait the basket
The hardest part of training your dog to carry a basket is getting him to pick it up. Try smearing a little peanut butter on the handle.
Pick up the basket
The peanut butter will encourage your pup to get used to the handle and how it feels in his mouth.
Carry the basket
Now encourage him to bring the basket to you. When he does, be sure to give him plenty of praise and a treat or two.
Add items
Once he has learned to bring the empty basket to you, start adding small toys to it and repeating the process. More treats and praise.
Walk with the basket
Finally, try going for short walks with your pup proudly carrying his own basket. Lots of praise and treats will help reinforce this lesson and by the time Halloween comes around he will be ready to go with you.
The Click and Treat Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Introduce the basket
Place the basket on the ground where your dog can see it.
Reward
When your pup starts walking towards it, throw a treat near it and say, "Good boy" or simply "Yes" use the clicker and give a treat.
Move up to touching
Once she has gotten used to being given a treat for getting close, switch to giving him a treat and a click only when he touches the basket.
Introduce command
Now work on using the command "Get the basket" or whatever you choose.
Pick up the basket
Encourage your pup to pick up the basket. Have him bring it to you and reward him with a click and a treat. It won’t take long before he is carrying his basket everywhere.
The Hold and Fetch Method
Effective
0 Votes
Effective
0 Votes
Introduce the basket
Put the basket on the floor, and as your dog moves towards it click and say “yes”.
Reward
When your dog touches the basket, give a click or a treat.
Hold the handle
When your dog puts his mouth on the handle, give a click or treat.
Lift the basket
When he picks up the basket give him another treat.
Carry the basket
Finally, when your dog starts carrying the basket shower him with praise, clicks, and of course treats. Your dog will thoroughly enjoy being given something to do and everyone will get a kick out of this great new "trick."
Written by Amy Caldwell
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 10/06/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
More articles by Amy Caldwell
