Fido is no fun at parties and you would like to teach him a few new skills.

The most important thing you need to remember when teaching your dog tricks is to have patience and keep it fun. Trick training should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog. The following tips will give you the basics.

1. Positive Reinforcement is the best way to teach a dog. You can reward his actions in several ways. Some dogs respond well to dog treats. If this is your dog, reward him with every time he does what you ask him to do. There are dogs that prefer a few minutes with their owner and a toy more than anything does. Other dogs simply require your praise and affection. Choose the reward that works best for your dog and your dog will reward you with performing on your command.
2. No matter what skill you are helping your dog master, keep your training sessions short and frequent. Consistency in your method is important. Repetition will reinforce the skill you are trying to teach.
3. Start with simple commands like "sit". Teaching a dog to sit can be as simple as holding a treat just above your dogs head with one hand while gently pushing his backside down to the floor while saying sit. Repeat a few times during one session and repeat the session over the next few days until Fido sits on command.

The above tips should help you master the basics of teaching your dog new tricks. Don't fret over the mistakes. If you stay consistent and have fun with it your dog will be performing on your command in no time.

Make sure you have everything you need before you start. Stock up on Fido's favorite treats and a few new toys to reward his successes.