A Guide on Teaching Your Dog How to Skateboard

There are many tricks you can teach your dog. And, skateboarding is one of them! They will love the positive reinforcement and cool breeze on their face. Additionally, it is a great way to make exercise more fun! If you want to impress all the other dog parents at the park, read below to learn how to teach your dog this cool new trick!

1. Get Fido Comfortable

The first step is the most important and should be done slowly. It is important to get your pal comfortable with the skateboard. They should be able to fit comfortably on the board, so try to find one that is wide enough. We recommend this board because it is wide, sturdy, and lower to the ground. Start by rewarding your pup for placing a paw on the board while it is secured. And, if your board is adjustable, it is best to tighten the board so it won’t rock. As your companion becomes more comfortable, reward them for placing two paws on the board and so on.

2. Moving

Now that Fido is comfortable with standing on the board, it’s now time to get them comfortable with moving. First, start by moving slowly, only a few inches at a time. If you can, reward your four-legged friend for having all four paws on the board. It is even better if they will ride with one leg hopping behind the board.

3. Pushing

If you want your furry friend to have the impressive ability to ride the board by themself, pushing is essential. To do this, reward fido for pushing with one or both back paws to get them moving.

4. Speed and Distance

As your four-legged friend becomes more comfortable and skilled at pushing, work on increasing the speed and duration of rides. To do this, wait longer between reinforcement rewards. Just remember to stay within your pup’s comfort zone!

5. Gradually Loosen

If your board is adjustable, slowly loosen the board so it will begin to rock. This step is necessary for fido to be able to steer the board. Then, go through steps 1-4 again each time you loosen the board. Then, reward your companion for shifting their weight on the board to steer.

Always prioritize your pal’s comfort level. Additionally, stay away from roads and uneven surfaces. Keep in mind that skateboarding will come more naturally to some dogs and others are not suited for the sport. Some breeds, such as bulldogs, are natural due to their low center of gravity. However, even larger breeds can learn to ride. While your pup may never become extremely skilled, they may still enjoy slow or brief rides.