Expert Trainer Has 12 Step Formula To Training Your Dog To Skate Or Scoot

Online, May 11, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Karen Cobb trained Norman, her 18-month old Briard, to ride a scooter. Ron Davis taught his 5-year-old English bulldog Tillman to skateboard. And Lexi Beermann is in the process of training a bulldog puppy named Wally to skate as well.

These dogs are so talented they've appeared on "Late Show With David Letterman," set a Guinness world record for "Fastest Skateboarding Dog," and even thrown out the first pitch at Citi Field.

But training a dog to roll takes skill. Cobb, Davis and Beermann offer 12 tips for making your dog a star.

1. Don't start too young. "Wait to train a dog until it is at least 6 months old," says Beermann. "If you start too young, you'll scare the dog."

2. Figure out your dog's passion. According to Beermann, "Every dog loves to do something and different breeds have different passions. It's your job as an owner to figure out what that passion is and build it into a tangible skill."

3. Practice in an enclosed, secluded spot. A safe practice area will not only keep the dog from running away but it will keep crowds from gathering, which can be distracting, not only for your dog, but for you as well.

4. Concentrate on simple and consistent communication. Say the same word every time your dog does well so that it is never confused about your message.

5. Introduce the scooter/skateboard slowly. Don't allow your dog to always play with the board or scooter. "As soon as it becomes just a toy the dog will lose interest," says Beermann. "It needs to remain special, and nothing is special if it is always around."

Tillman the skateboarding bulldog rides around Tompkins Square Park. (Jacob E. Osterhout/News)

6. Use positive reinforcement. "You advance in spurts, then you hit plateaus," says Cobb. "But repetition and positive reinforcement will allow your dog to continue to improve."

7. Don't yell. Raising your voice will simply scare the dog. Instead, change your tone and your body language. "I don't ever scream," says Davis. "I give him the 'Dude, seriously?!?' look and he understands."

8. The biggest reward should be the skateboard or scooter. Don't dilute that by giving your dog too many treats. "I never once rewarded Tillman with treats," says Davis. "He just has a drive for the skateboard. He doesn't do it for treats."

9. Find a role model. Dogs are very observant and learn from watching other dogs. So the fastest way to teach them is to provide them with an example.

10. Dog balance improves with age. As a dog grows and develops, so does its balance. Most dogs stop growing at the age of 2, which will make them more comfortable on a skateboard or a scooter.

11. Don't skimp on equipment. "Spend money on some good gear," says Davis. "It helps a lot. Big soft wheels and a big board will really help the dog feel comfortable."

12. Time equals results. "The more time you spend with your dog," says Davis, "the more of a chance you have of your dog being better at whatever it is your training him to do."

Just goes to show you how intelligent our beloved pets can be. Patience, and time and you can teach a dog nearly anything.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/pets/2011/05/11/2011-05-11_following_pawsteps_of_tillman_skateboarding_dog_train_your_dog_to_skate_and_scoo.html#ixzz1M539AbeZ

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