Mini Aussie Puppy Showing Off Her New Tricks Wants To Skip Right To The Treats
We all know that dogs love treats; they'll gobble them up as soon as they're given. So, training them with treats is a no-brainer. But sometimes, doggies just want to get to the point and grab the goodies, like this 9-week-old mini Australian shepherd puppy named Willow, who tries to dash through her maneuvers as quickly as possible to get to the delectable snack at the end. Watch as she enthusiastically flies through the commands, keeping her eye on the prize the whole time in this darling TikTok video.
@littlewillowlouise Willow is 9 weeks old now and she's a smart cookie!! Here's some of the training we've been working on with her. #miniaussie #puppytiktok #bluemerleaussie #miniaustralianshepherd #fyp
As soon as little Willow spots the treat, she gives a paw, but her caregiver wants her to do more tricks than just that to earn it, sending her on an indoor doggy obstacle course of jumping in her dog bed and then her crate, which she quickly pops out of, hoping for the treat. But she's still not done, having to also sit and shake before finally earning that special treat she worked so hard for!
Of course, comments did not disappoint, with one noting that giving the paw at the very beginning was strategic: "Willow said 'I know where this ends, let's just cut to the chase.'" Another adds, "4 tricks – [s]he's going to need 4 treats sir!!!" Meanwhile, one had a hilarious warning about training her too much, saying, "Be careful because I did this with my Aussie and now he brews my coffee and starts my car before I leave for work."
Tips for training a dog
Training and socializing dogs when they are puppies greatly benefits both the dogs and their owners, with most pups needing to be taught how to gently interact with humans and get settled into a routine, not to mention practicing for appropriate bathroom breaks. The best way to teach a dog new tricks and skills is with consistent positive reinforcement based on rewarding proper behavior as opposed to punishments.
Like the mini Aussie in the TikTok video, one of the best ways to do this is by using a coveted treat as positive reinforcement to immediately reward the pooch for good behavior. Other rewards could include offering affection or dog toys. No matter what it is that your pup likes best as a reward, it's essential to be consistent and to offer the reward immediately upon completion to build a positive association with the action. That way, the pup is more likely to do the trick the next time.
Short sessions, daily practice, and using the same commands are essential in the beginning, so as not to overwhelm or confuse your dog. Above all, patience is key, as both puppies and untrained adult dogs need appropriate time to learn the commands and routine. So, if you don't feel like you can handle training, or you believe that it is taking too long, it's best to seek out help from a licensed trainer or behavioralist. Your pup will thank you!