We Can Train Your Dog to Skateboard, but Why?
Most dogs can learn how to skateboard, but why bother training this trick?
The reason for our skateboarding sessions has a lot to do with how we train and what we want you to take from training. Through positive, motivational training methods, dogs can learn just about anything. Sometimes we train bonus tricks to help dogs build confidence. At other times, it’s about helping dogs and owners communicate more effectively and build stronger working relationships.
Dogs don’t know the difference between obedience skills and tricks. To us, skateboarding might look silly, but what makes us believe the dog thinks of it differently than a recall or retrieve? The benefits of training tricks, such as skateboarding, are apparent to owners once they try.
The first step is to train a trick called paws up as the foundation. This is when the dog steps onto a small step or an upside-down bucket. Handlers often train paws up as a foundation for training pivots in heelwork. The dog keeps their front paws on the bucket while pivoting.
After paws up, the next step is to teach the dog to step onto the skateboard. The owner holds the skateboard still between their feet, and only when the dog is comfortable do they begin to let it move slightly. Owners’ should read their dog’s body language and let their dog step off at any time. Excellent communication is essential.
When the dog is comfortable with the steps above, the training starts to become much more detailed. The dog can learn to stand on the skateboard with all four paws or with only their two front paws. Many people train their dog both versions.
While skateboard training is fun, safety comes first. Like all tricks, you should always ask if the trick is in the best interest of your dog before you try it. Dogs with injuries or soreness should not skateboard.
While skateboarding may seem silly, it requires a level of communication between the dog and the owner that makes the training well worth it. Plus, it’s a great way to practice skills such as breaking down a trick into steps, having excellent timing, and reading your dog’s body language. Always make sure to pay attention to your dog’s needs and never force them to participate (this applies to obedience and manners training as well). Dogs are great communicators if you pay attention.
