Shut The Door Buddy: Simple Dog Tricks To Teach and Impress

The shutting and opening door trick can be taught to all dog breeds. The only consideration maybe would be asking small size dogs to close large or heavy doors which are beyond their physical capabilities.

In teaching this trick select a door that swings easily on its hinges; drive a nail, or simply stick with double sided a makeshift hook on your door at such a distance above the floor that the dog can just reach it by standing on his hind legs with his forefeet resting against the door.

Open the door a few inches, place a small piece of treat on the hook and call your dog's attention to it, saying "Shut the door." In reaching for the treat the dog will place his forefeet on the door and this will close it. If preferable the treat can be balanced on the door handle, and shutting the door will jar it to the floor, when he should be allowed to eat it and be petted and praised.

After be has done this a few times you can advance him in his lessons by placing the treat in position while he is in another room, then call him in and say "Shut the door," directing him toward it, and if he does not go, show him the treat and encourage him to get it. In time he will understand the order and will close any door that is shown to him.

Finally, teach him to close the door without having any reward in sight, but after he shuts it in response to your command reward him with a treat. In the first lessons you need not be particular about having the door closed tight, but in later stages, insist upon its being done before any reward is given.

Dogs can be taught easily to open swinging doors, but opening fastened doors is a much more difficult act, and is possible only with those that have the easiest and simplest latches.

To teach a dog to open a swinging door call his attention to it and push it open at the bottom. Do this a number of times every day for several days, then go through the door, closing it after you, and leave your dog on the other side; call him and he will soon learn to push the door open in order to reach you.

To teach a dog to open a latch, hold the dog up to it and push it back with his paw, and say "open door" to associate this trick with this command and continue to give him practice in this way until he will push it back without your assistance.

About the Author:
Moses Chia is a dog lover and owner of DogsObedienceTraining.com ? The dog training resource site for a happier and healthier dog.

You are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact.

---

West Highland White Terriers- Fascinating Facts

West Highland White Terriers began their history as the undesirable... Read More

How to Protect Your Dog and Family from Roundworms

Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More

My Dog Won?t Stop Digging - What Can I Do?

Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More

Glow Light Tetra - A Lovely and Peaceful Member of Your Community Tank

Brings live to your community tanksMany freshwater fish-keepers have a... Read More

Housebreaking Dogs and Puppies - A Step by Step Guide to Potty Training Your Dog or Puppy

If you're reading this I think it's safe to assume... Read More

My Fathers Daughter

My dad was an avid animal lover. We grew up... Read More

Easy Tips for Healthy Pets

Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More

Need a Low-Maintenance Pet? Try a Tarantula!

If you're like me, then you don't really have the... Read More

RecoveryPets.Com Helps Recover Lost Pets

Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More

How to Crate Train Your Puppy

One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More

Positive Dog Training Methods

Dog training can provide a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Every... Read More

Providing The Best Care For Your Goldfish

Goldfish care is critical for the health of your goldfish.... Read More

Puppy Care 101

Puppy CarePuppy care can be a lot of work, but... Read More

Tips For Keeping Your Pug Happy And Healthy

Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More

How to Choose a Pet

Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More

Boston Terrier - The Costs Of Owning A Boston Terrier

Having a dog is a little like having a baby.... Read More

How Many Dogs Are Too Many?

I'm a pariah among the dog fanciers in my community.... Read More

Pilling a Cat

Pilling a cat can be a "nightmarish" experience. Cats don't... Read More

Got Fleas? How to Spot and Care For Fleas on Your Dog

Your poor pooch is scratching himself all over. Plus, you... Read More

Train Your Dog With Respect

Proper training of your dog should begin when he is... Read More

Dog Pile - Please Pick It Up

I really do not hope your are eating something, but... Read More

Goldfish Feeding Tips

What's the best food for your Goldfish?Goldfish need food that... Read More

Feeding Your Pet Stingray - The Essentials of Maintaining a Varied Diet

Stingrays will eat a wide variety of foods. Maintaining a... Read More

Putting A Dog To Sleep

I was talking to a friend of mine today and... Read More

Dog Clothes make Great Gifts

When it comes to the art of giving, a gift... Read More

Your First Cichlid Aquarium

So you're thinking about trying cichlids. A good choice. In... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him

Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More

7 Puppy Naming Tips

You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More

Setting Up A New Aquarium

Location of your aquariumSo, you bought your very first fish... Read More

West Highland White Terriers - Make Your Westie Famous

The West Highland White Terrier or Westie, has it's origin,... Read More

Finding the Perfect Cat or Kitten for You and Your Family

Some people say they are exclusively "cat people," meaning they... Read More

Choose an Acrylic Bird Cage

Congratulations. You've decided to buy a bird, and you even... Read More

Seeing Past Cuteness When Selecting the Best Dog Breed For You: Part 1 of 3

Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More