Let's learn new tricks! How to teach your dog to do slalom?
Would you like to teach your dog something new? The outdoor temperatures might limit us from creating overly challenging activities for our dogs, making this the perfect opportunity to spice up your time together with some light training and learn new tricks. Our choice is the leg slalom, which doesn’t require much space or special equipment, so you can practice it almost anywhere and anytime—whether you’re relaxing at home or on vacation at the beach.
What are the benefits of this trick?
At first glance, it may seem like a simple and unnecessary trick, but the opposite is true. Training your dog to do slalom between your legs improves their coordination and strengthens their focus since they must constantly watch and respond to your movements. It’s also a great way to mentally stimulate and tire out your dog, which can help reduce unwanted behaviors caused by excess energy. For you, it’s an opportunity to strengthen your bond with your dog through positive reinforcement and quality time together. This trick can easily be incorporated into other games or training routines. Additionally, it’s suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages since it’s not physically demanding and can be adjusted to your dog’s individual abilities.
What will we need for training?
- A well-rested dog full of energy
- A good handful of treats
- An even bigger handful of patience
- ...and if your dog knows how to do a nose touch, our Nosewand target will make it a breeze
Let’s get started!
Begin the training by trying to lure your dog into movement using a treat, without any obstacles at first. Once your dog follows your hand, stand with your legs slightly apart to create enough space for the dog to pass through. Hold a treat in one hand to motivate your dog. Then guide your dog through your legs. As soon as your dog passes through, reward them with the treat and praise. It’s important for your dog to understand that the reward always comes after completing the pass.
Next level
Once your dog understands that they should weave through your legs, it’s time to increase the difficulty. Use the treat to guide your dog through your legs, making a step forward with one leg each time they pass through. Your dog should follow your hand and gradually learn to weave between your legs while you walk. If your dog is still unsure of the correct path, you can gently hold their collar with your other hand and guide them until they understand the concept on their own. The key is patience and a positive approach – training should progress gradually to keep your dog motivated. Repeat the movement several times on both sides so your dog gets used to weaving alternately from the left and right.
Train the weave with our Nosewand target!
Does your dog know how to do a nose touch with our Nosewand? Then you’re halfway there! Simply show them where to go by pointing with the wand handle. Once they touch the wand with their nose, move it to the next spot for the following step. And so on.
Tips for a successful training:
- Short and frequent Training Sessions: Several short training sessions per day are better than one long session.
- Reward regurally: Praise and reward your dog for every success, no matter how small.
- Be patient and positive: A negative approach can discourage your dog.
- Fun first: Training should be fun for both you and your dog.
What’s next?
With regular training, your dog will learn to move faster and more smoothly, contributing to better muscle tone and overall mobility. For active dogs, the slalom is a great way to burn off energy in a controlled environment, while older dogs can enjoy a lighter version of the weave to maintain their mobility. Once your dog masters the trick with ease, you can develop it into more complex sequences, such as different slalom variations while running, adding obstacles or turns, and other tricks. It’s also an excellent foundation for agility training or dog dancing, where precise coordination and movement around the handler are required.
