Most pet owners get great satisfaction from having their dogs display ability in doing some tricks.

Begging - Or - "Sit Up"
The young puppy often begs instinctively when some tidbit is held up in front of him. Should "junior" try to jump for the morsel, just scold him gently and push him back down. Begging can be learned rapidly so just repeat this exercise several times, giving a reward for the correct response and you'll have a little pup with one trick mastered.

Speaking
Having a dog that will bark on command is not only fun, but it can also be helpful at times. The easiest way to teach this trick is to initially say "Speak" when the dog barks voluntarily in order to help him associate the word with the act. Then, offer him a treat and command him to "Speak." When he finally barks, reward him with much praise and the treat. Repeat this lesson until he readily gives a loud bark when given the command.

Fetch
There are many other tricks that a dog can be taught, such as shaking hands, rolling over, jumping through a hoop, playing dead, and fetching. Undoubtedly, fetching is the most important as it can become part of a regular training program for advanced obedience or for field work, or it can be just for fun so that the dog can participate in a game of catch. Puppyhood is an ideal time to teach this trick since these youngsters love to put everything in their mouth. Tempt Rover with a ball or dumbbell or toy, then throw it and shout "Fetch." When the pup retrieves the object, he may stop and play and chew it. Encourage him to return directly to you and to give the ball back. A long lead will be helpful when training for this trick. Having fun, giving praise, and repetition will speed learning. You'll find this trick will give you, your family, and your dog a great deal of enjoyment.

Shake Hands
A dog should be taught not to jump on people. Shaking hands is a more pleasant way for him to greet guests. It's an easy trick to teach. Put your dog in a normal sitting position and kneel in front of him. Tap the back of his foreleg with your hand. When he lifts his paw, take it gently in your hand and say "Shake" or "Shake hands." Smile and tell him he's a good dog.

Jump
Jumping is fun for a long-legged dog and good exercise, too. Build a low bar—a long straight stick or broom handle laid across two or three piled up bricks. Put a training collar and lead on your dog. Walk him quickly toward the bar. When you want him to jump, give a quick, upward jerk on the collar and say "Jump." Practice this trick with the stick raised higher and higher until he can jump twice his shoulder height.

Training the Biter
It is not unusual for a dog to snap or bite if you try to take something away which he has and wants. Training to avoid this form of behavior is essential. When the dog refuses to surrender what he has, don't grab it! Firmly command "Drop it" or "Give me," and, if he lets go of the object, praise him. When it's something that he can have, return it. If he won't surrender his booty, quickly and quietly without growling, then follow one of these techniques:

1—If he is a small dog, pick him up by the collar, and hold him until he releases the bone or whatever.
2—With a larger dog, slap him across the rump with
a rolled up newspaper.
3—Or, slap him across the nose with a rolled up
paper.
Never put your hand out to take something if the dog growls menacingly at you. Be firm and speak strictly until the item is dropped. Even the best pet has been known to bite his master's hand if he tries to remove a favorite bone.

Need Extra Help?
If you know that you don't have the time, patience or know-how to train your dog alone you may wish to have a dog training school assist you. Now there are schools which provide trainers who come to the home and teach you and your dog together. The typical pet may have a "home" course in house breaking and responding to basic obedience commands. This type of course usually runs from five to seven weeks and the tuition costs from $150 to $250. More advanced or specialized training such as protection or conformation will cost much more.
Be sure you deal with a reputable firm that has well trained instructors and that provides some guarantee of success.

Conclusion
Training and education is not a once in a lifetime event. Puppies and young dogs are not the only ones that can profit from this type of attention. All dogs need to have their training refreshed and their education expanded. It isn't true that you can't teach an old dog new tricks—you can.