Why tricks?
Teaching your dog tricks will make you a better trainer. It will make your dog a better learner. It will make both of you smile. Neighbors and friends will think your dog is amazingly smart if he can do a couple of showy tricks.

But I just want obedience!

What is "obedience"?
Compliance? A good work ethic? Willingness?

An 'obedient dog' is one who responds to learned cues quickly and on the first command. A dog who listens and follows directions.

A good trainer trains for accurate and reliable response.

< stick 'em up!

It's all tricks to them!

Whether dropping on a dime at a distance at the command "down" or dropping into a twisted down with legs stiff in the air at the cue "bang!" both versions of falling to the floor are simply a trained response to a cue.

The criteria: drop to the ground in a specific fashion and remain there until released.

Bang! >

No matter whether it's "Sit" - "Down" - "Come" or "Spin" - "Jump" - "Dance" ...
reliably trained behavior is reliably trained behavior.

Perhaps the difference is in our perception of usefulness. Tricks are simply uniquely defined, often complex behaviors - they don't "matter" unless you train movie dogs, assistance dogs, search & rescue dogs, or are a freestyle competitor ...

Perhaps they matter more than we think.

Tricks are a great way to add spark to your relationship and have fun expanding your dog's knowledge and vocabulary!

A well-trained dog does what you ask, no matter what you decide to teach him!

Ta-daaaaaaaaaa! >