How to Train Your Dog to Walk Tall
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Introduction
Who doesn’t love a dog that can stand up on its hind legs and maybe do a little dance? I’m sure you’ve seen the video of the dancing Golden Retriever that went viral a few years ago. That was some impressive stuff! While this trick isn’t exactly going to teach your dog how to dance the samba, it’s definitely a step in that direction. This trick is fun and eye-catching and will make the talk of the dog park!
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Defining Tasks
The task for this trick is basically teaching your dog how to stand on its hind legs, maintain it for a determined period of time, and move forward or back on command. Now, there are a few things to keep in mind when deciding to teach your dog this trick. One of them is realizing that this position isn’t exactly natural for your dog. Depending on the size of the dog, they might have difficulty staying in an upward position, as it might be uncomfortable, and it also might hurt their joints. If you have a big dog, consider teaching your dog how to “sit pretty” instead, which while similar, won’t affect their joints as much.
If you have a smaller dog, this trick will be much easier for them to do. Smaller dogs have a bigger tendency to stand on their hind legs to reach for things like faces for licking, or counters to eat off of.
Another thing that is important to decide is how long you will want your dog to stay in an upward position and whether or not you want your dog to travel while in that position. Balance is a big part of this trick, so building up the stamina and the balance to stay upward for a long period of time or walking will take some time. Depending on these factors, this trick can take your dog anywhere from 2 to 15 days to learn. Both puppies and adult dogs can learn this trick.
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Getting Started
The great thing is that for this trick you won’t need much equipment. Take out your dog’s favorite treat or toy and make sure you have a large space to work with and are distraction-free!
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The Forward Method
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Effective
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Sit
Start off with your dog in a seated position and make sure you have his attention.
Hold out treat
Take one treat in your hand and extend over the dog’s head. Your dog should intuitively stand up on its legs to reach for the treat.
Move forward
As soon as the dog stands up to reach for the treat move the treat towards you to lure him towards you and say “walk” (or whatever you want to name the command).
Treat!
As soon as your dogs takes one step, give a big “YES” or if you use a clicker, click and give him the treat.
Repeat
Repeat as many times as necessary until your dog travels as far as you want.
Increase difficulty
Gradually increase the amount of time the dog has to travel to receive the treat or praise and decrease hand movements until you don’t need them at all and the dog performs the trick on command.
The Back It Up Method
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Effective
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Sit
Start off with your dog in a seated position and make sure you have his attention.
Hold out treat
Take the treat in your hand and extend over the dog’s head. Your dog should intuitively stand up on his legs to reach for the treat.
Move backward
As soon as the dog stands up to reach for the treat, move your hand above his head, move it backwards and start using the command you wish you use. You dog should intuitively take a few steps back to grab the treat. This might be a little easier than moving forward for them as it comes more naturally.
Repeat
Repeat until your dogs walks as far as you want him to.
Increase difficulty
Gradually increase the amount of time the dog has to walk and reduce the amount of hand movements so he will perform it on command.
The Stand Then Walk Method
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Effective
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Start from sit
Start your dog off from a sitting position.
Hold up treat
Hold the treat directly above the dog’s head and wait for him to stand up on his hind legs. As soon as he does so, praise and give him the treat.
Repeat
Repeat a couple of times until he gets the hang of it and understands what you want from him.
Add the move
Once your dog understands that you want him to stand up, you are going to lure him in any direction you choose. You are going to praise and give the treat as soon as he takes one step in any direction. This is when you will start using the command you wish you name this trick.
Increase difficulty
Increase the number of steps the dog has to take to receive the treat.
Written by Amy Caldwell
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 01/26/2018, edited: 01/08/2021
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