10. Recycling Bottles

This next trick is perfect for all you environmentally-conscious dog lovers out there. It’s easier to teach your dog how to recycle bottles if you’ve already taught him how to drop his toys into his bin. The trick involves a similar learning process. Simply replace the toy with a plastic bottle and the toy chest with a recycling bin.

Gradually move over to cans as most dogs don’t like the texture of aluminum. Designate different bins for aluminum and plastic. Train him separately for each bin. When your dog has mastered these techniques, mix up the plastic bottles and aluminum cans onto the floor. Teach him that he won’t get a treat if he drops the wrong piece into the wrong bin.

 

11. Go Settle

This trick will come in handy when you have guests over, are working on a project, or simply need some alone time.

Start by placing your dog’s bed or mat in a stress-free environment with no distractions. Command him to “go settle,” or “go to your mat” with your finger. He might need a little extra guidance, but he’ll figure it out. When your pooch has all four paws on the mat, reward him. If your dog sits or lies down on the mat at any time, rearward him and give him extra praise. At first though, you just want to teach him to go to his mat on command.

Afterward, teach your dog to sit or lie down on the mat. Then, gradually increase the time it takes for you to deliver the treat after your dog has lied down on his mat. Next, begin to move farther from the mat while commanding your dog to stay on the mat. Don’t offer the treat unless he obeys. The point of this exercise is to teach your dog to lie on his mat for increasing periods of time.

Every few minutes he is on the mat, go back and treat your dog. Gradually increase your distance from the mat and the amount of time it takes you to deliver the treat. In time, your dog will learn to head to his mat to cool off on command.