How to Train Your Dog to Say Prayers
Introduction
There's nothing like a good bedtime routine! You and your pooch head to the washroom. First, you brush your teeth, then his. You put on your comfiest pajamas while your pooch fluffs up his bed. You curl up in the covers and peek over. Awe! Your little fur buddy is saying his prayers!
No, not really. But teaching your dog how to say his prayers is a pretty fun trick regardless. And it's sure to make all of your friends and family smile at your next barbeque!
Defining Tasks
For this fun little trick, your dog will learn how to put both of his paws up on a table or chair and bow his head down. In some variations, your dog doesn't leave the ground during the trick. It looks a lot like your pooch is saying a little prayer, hence the name.
From 6 months on, your dog should be able to handle learning to say his prayers. It's the kind of party trick that only takes an afternoon to master, but it can bring joy to you and your guests throughout the dog's life! And don't worry, most dogs pick this one up without much trouble at all.
Getting Started
To get your pup closer to God, you'll only need a few things. They are:
- Treats: This trick works best with positive reinforcement. Try to find small treats, as you'll be dishing out a lot!
- A Strong Arm: Make sure you can support your dog's weight on your arm. For little dogs this is not big deal, but for giant puppers, you may need to enlist the help of a larger family member.
- A Standing Prop: Look for something that is about chest level when your dog is on his hind legs. It should be sturdy.
- A Clicker: These handy tools make training a breeze! You can pick one up at your local pet store.
Before you make your pooch prop himself up to pray, make sure he is healthy enough to do so. Older dogs and dogs with injuries should probably sit this one out.
Below are some easy methods to get your furry friend saying blessings in no time. Each of them is great, so just pick the one that suits your style the best.
The Simple Vesper Method
The Upright Blessing Method
The On-the-Chair Prayer Method
Written by Amy Caldwell
Published: 10/24/2017, edited: 01/08/2021
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Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Missy
Missy is a rescue, we have had her 3 weeks. She has never really been trained or outside really. She struggles with cars which we are working on but the big issue at the moment is shadow chasing. It takes her over completely and no amount of distraction with toys, or commands achieves any eye contact or attention at all. It is becoming a real problem both saytime and evening
906 Dog owners recommended
Hello Karen, For the shadow chasing behavior, I actually recommend hiring a professional trainer who has experience with obsessive compulsive behaviors and working on a Leave It command, using low level remote collar training to help interrupt the behavior and change it from a self-rewarding behavior to something less appealing to pup, while also finding some new ways to stimulate pup mentally, like regular obedience and trick practice, dog food stuffed chew toys, automatic treat dispensing devices, incorporating obedience commands into games like fetch, heeling walks, training games, giving pup jobs around the house, and having pup work more for what they want by obeying a command first. You want pup to associate something slightly unpleasant (but not too intense) with the shadow chasing itself and not only you, while meeting the underlying need for mental stimulation, and encouraging impulse control through commands that build that also. There is a very specific way this is done carefully and holistically, so I recommend only doing this with a professional trainer who is experienced with those parts of training's help. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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