How to Train Your Dog to Say Prayers

How to Train Your Dog to Say Prayers
Easy difficulty iconEasy
Time icon1-2 Days
Fun training category iconFun

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!

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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.

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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.

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The Simple Vesper Method

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Simple Vesper method for How to Train Your Dog to Say Prayers
1

Get your pup to sit

You can do this using hand signals or a verbal command. Give him a treat as soon as his bum drops.

2

Lure the dog to the ground

Bring a treat to the floor and say “lie down”.

3

Get his head to lower

Hold another treat right to the floor. Don't give it up until your pooch’s chin is resting on the ground.

4

Add the command

After a few successful attempts, start to say “bow your head” or “say your prayers” as your pup heads south.

5

Make him stay

Encourage him to stay with his head down. His release word should be “amen”.

The Upright Blessing Method

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Upright Blessing method for How to Train Your Dog to Say Prayers
1

Lure your dog onto your arm

Either tap your arm and say “come”, or use a treat to get his paws up there.

2

Get both feet up

If at first your pooch is only offering one paw, give him a treat for the first one and encourage him to bring the second one up.

3

Make him stay

Tell him to stay so he knows not to bounce back on the floor.

4

Bow his head

Use a treat to get his head between his paws. Put the treat in your other hand and bring it under your arm to his paws so he puts his head down.

5

Hold and release

Keep him there for a second, then give him the treat.

6

Add the command

Repeat the exercise until your dog is consistent. Then start saying “say your prayers” as your dog goes through the motions.

The On-the-Chair Prayer Method

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On-the-Chair Prayer method for How to Train Your Dog to Say Prayers
1

Get your dog on your arm

Teach him to lift both paws up onto your arm. Reward him if he does!

2

Add a command

Say “up!”, each time your pooch puts his paws on your arm until he does it on command.

3

Use a prop

Find a chair or table that is sturdy and the appropriate height for your pup.

4

Get him up there

By using the “up” command, encourage your furbaby to lift his front feet onto the chair or table.

5

Teach him to bow

Bring a treat up from under the dog in between his paws. Hold it there, then give it to your pup.

6

Add the final cue

Each time your mutt does this trick, add the “say your prayers” command.

Written by Amy Caldwell

Veterinary reviewed by:

Published: 10/24/2017, edited: 01/08/2021

Training Questions

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Training Questions and Answers

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riley

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australian shepherd mix

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14 Years

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Question

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HOw to play dead

May 27, 2022

riley's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1128 Dog owners recommended

Hello Laura Rose, Check out this video on teaching Play Dead and Roll Over. These commands usually are taught together. Sometimes a dog has an easier time learning to roll halfway over first - play dead, and sometimes the dog has an easier time learning to roll completely over - roll over, then learn how to stop that roll over halfway through - play dead. The order you teach it in depends on whether your pup's natural inclination is to roll onto their back or to roll all the way over. Teach whichever pup is inclined to do first, then work on teaching the other command next. https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=272&v=NMRRLUyAIyw&feature=emb_imp_woyt Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden

May 30, 2022

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Missy

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Border Collie

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20 Months

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Question

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1 found this helpful

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1 found this helpful

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

March 27, 2021

Missy's Owner

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Caitlin Crittenden - Dog Trainer

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1128 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

March 30, 2021


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