Trick Training for Dogs, Cats and Rabbits with Towcester Vets
August 7, 2024
Enrich your pet’s playtime and impress your friends by teaching your furry friend some fun tricks! But before you break out the clicker and treats, it’s important to consider your pet’s personality and natural abilities. Here at Towcester Vets, we’ve put together some ideas to get you started, with tips for different furry (or fluffy) pets.
Remember to capture your pet’s best attempts (and bloopers) with your camera. We’d love to see, please do share your pet photos and videos on our Facebook page.
Pet tricks to make your bestie shine!
Tricks for Daring Doggies:
Dogs are natural learners and love to please, making them prime candidates for trick training. Get your dog to share their skills at their next visit to Towcester Vets and we’ll be sure to reward them with extra treats!
- The Classics: “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Shake” are a great foundation for more complex tricks.
- High Fives: Hold a treat out flat and guide your dog’s paw to touch it. Reward with praise and the treat!
- Spin: Lure your dog with a treat in a circular motion, gradually fading the lure as they get the hang of it.
Tricks for Curious Cats:
Cats can be more independent, but according to our cat-loving veterinary nurses at Towcester, with patience and positive reinforcement, some cats can learn impressive tricks too!
- Jumping Through Hoops: Start with a large hoop and gradually reduce the size as your cat becomes confident.
- Target Training: Touch a target stick (like a chopstick) to their nose and reward them when they touch it back. This can be used to teach them to touch other objects on command.
- Fetch: Some cats love to chase after toys! Start by throwing a lightweight ball near them and gradually increase the distance.
Tricks for Rabbits:
Rabbits are intelligent creatures who can learn simple tricks with positive reinforcement. We’d love to see your rabbit enjoying their trick training – pop over to Towcester Vets’ Facebook page and share your photos and videos.
- Coming When Called: Start by saying their name while offering a treat. Gradually increase the distance and only reward them when they come to you.
- Spin: Hold a treat near their nose and slowly turn in a circle. They might naturally follow the treat, earning a reward when they complete a full spin.
- Obstacle Course: Set up a simple course with tunnels and boxes. Lure them through with treats, gradually increasing the complexity as they get the hang of it.
Remember:
- Keep it Positive: Use praise, petting, and treats to reward your pet for good attempts.
- Short Sessions: Training should be fun, not stressful. Aim for short, frequent sessions to keep your pet engaged.
- Respect Their Limits: Not all pets will enjoy learning tricks. Read your pet’s body language and stop if they seem disinterested or frustrated.
Beyond the basics:
We hope you enjoyed our trick training for dogs, cats and rabbits. The internet is FULL of inspiration for more advanced tricks. Just remember to choose tricks that are suitable for your pet’s natural abilities and always prioritise their wellbeing. With patience and positive reinforcement, you might just have the star of the show at your next gathering!
So, grab those treats and get training!
Make our day and pop into our vet practice in Towcester to show off your pet’s skills, or share their antics on our Facebook page!
