We’ve all seen videos on TikTok and YouTube of dogs doing amazing tricks on skateboards, and perhaps you wish your dog could skateboard. Don’t doubt him before even giving it a go – you’ll never know if he might be able to skateboard if you don’t try. Some dogs actually enjoy this activity.
Step 1 – getting onto the board
- Start by placing the board on a surface like grass or a carpet where it won’t move easily. Keep it steady.
- Lure your dog onto the board with a treat.
- When your dog gets onto the board easily and without hesitation, toss a treat away from the board and let him get the treat.
- Then lure your dog back onto the board again with another treat.
- If your dog is reluctant and doesn’t want to get onto the board, use a different item, like a small mat. Once he is comfortable with the mat, place it on the skateboard and repeat the steps above. When he is comfortable with the item on the skateboard, remove it, so that he gets directly onto the skateboard.
Step 2 – confidence and balance
- When your dog is familiar with the skateboard and gets on and off without hesitation, you can start moving it very gently while he is on it. Give him treats while he is on the skateboard. This will help him get used to the movement of the board.
- While your dog is on the skateboard, let him move backwards and forwards, and let him turn around. Reward him for all the movements that he does while on the board.
- Once your dog is comfortable with moving on the skateboard, start to move it while he is turning around, lying down and moving back and forth. The idea is that he gets used to the movement under him while he himself is moving.
- Whenever your dog gets nervous, go back one step until he is comfortable.
Step 3 – moving skateboard
- Move the skateboard to a smooth surface where it can move easily by itself.
- Let your dog jump on and off the skateboard while it is moving slowly. You may want to move the board by pushing or pulling it gently.
- Your dog might even move the board on his own without even realising it, like when his back legs are off it and his front legs on it. Remember to reward him for each step.
Step 4 – kick off
- Lure your dog onto the skateboard so that he only has three feet on it.
- While he is standing with his three feet on the skateboard, use a treat to lure him forward. The action will most likely cause him to take a step with his other foot that is still on the ground.
- Slowly pull the board forward with one hand while luring him to take a treat from your other hand. Move your hand backwards, so that he has to reach to get to the treat. You can use your foot as a break for the board.
- Then, when your dog takes a step, say a cue, like ‘yes’ or ‘forward’, and reward him immediately.
Step 5 – moving faster
- Still with three feet on the board, practise the kick-off until he gets confident enough to move forward a little faster.
- As he gets more confident and places all four legs on the skateboard, pull it forward.
- Practise this until the skateboard gathers enough momentum to move forward with your dog on it. Gradually move the skateboard faster and faster, until your dog moves at the same speed as your comfortable walk.
- This will help your dog to learn how to balance on the skateboard. Be patient – this could take some time.
- Let your dog practise getting on and off the skateboard while kicking off on a smooth surface.
- The more he practises, the easier it will become for him. In time, he should be able to go faster and faster.
Always supervise your dog when he is playing with the skateboard and never allow him to skate on his own. And always practise in a safe area where there are no vehicles or bicycles that could collide with him.
Source: www.dogmantics.com
