How to Teach a Bulldog to Skateboard

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The ultimate trick is teaching your bulldog to skateboard. Make sure your bulldog is small enough to comfortably put all four legs on a skateboard, and get a bunch of treats ready at hand. It'll take some time and patience to master this, but the result is well worth the respect and admiration your bulldog's accomplishment will give.

Steps

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    The board should be at least an inch wider than your dogs normal stance. Use one with older ball bearings—you want your board to travel about a meter with each push.
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    Begin with putting your dog in a carpeted room with the skateboard. Place it flat on the ground, wheels up. Praise your dog extensively for any interest it shows in the skateboard. Make noises with the board by spinning the wheels or tapping the surface. Observe your dog's response. After a few minutes, put the board away. Let your dog rest for 20 minutes or so.
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    If your dog seemed fine with the board upside down, put it right side up this time. However, be sure to secure the board so that it doesn't roll around when your dog tries to play with it. Again, praise your dog for any interest in the board.
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    Observe your dog's reaction—any sign of fear and you should back up a step. Try not to roll the board directly towards your dog, as this can be seen as threatening. Instead, awaken your dog's predatory instincts by rolling the board away from it. Continue for a few minutes, then take a break. Repeat. Continue to the next step when your dog is comfortable around the skateboard.
    • If your dog tries to get on the skateboard at any point, be sure to give it lots of praise and/or treats. Don't forget to hold the skateboard steady.
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    Secure the board so that it can't move. Reward the dog the majority of the time that it shows any interest, but focus on interest involving one or more paws on the board. It's okay if your dog doesn't leave his paws on the board yet. Continue this until your dog puts a paw the on the skateboard whenever it's presented. [1]
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    Reward the majority of the time that he puts a paw on the board, and always when two or more paws are put on the board. [2]
    • If your dog begins to get so frustrated that he whines/barks or stops trying, put the skateboard away and try again later and/or back up a step.
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    Initially, your dog will probably move his feet as soon as the board starts rolling. Try to reward your dog with a treat in the moment before he gets off the skateboard. Put the treat directly in his mouth so that he dog doesn't have to move off the board to get it. Move on to the next step when your dog is comfortable keeping two paws on the moving board for at least 4 feet (1.2 m).
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    Reward your dog extensively for standing on the still board. Phase out rewards for merely being interested in the board, and only reward some of the time for two paws. Once your dog consistently stands on the board, you are ready to move on. [3]
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    Be sure that you are holding the skateboard to keep it from shaking too much. Praise your dog for staying on the board.
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    Tap the board and say the desired command to get your dog to get up on it. Move slightly back from the skateboard so that your dog is required to push forward to get the treat. Reward your dog whenever he does something desirable.
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    [4]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My dog only wants to bark and chew on the skateboard, is this normal?
    Community Answer
    Yes, quite normal. Most dogs will not show quick interest in riding the skateboard. Put the dog on the skateboard and use a command like "Skate." When they stay on the skateboard, say "Good Skate!" and give them a treat!
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  • Question
    Does this only work with bulldogs?
    Community Answer
    Skateboarding can be fun with other breeds of dog, but it is more likely for someone to use a bulldog because it has a lower center of gravity and a wider body than most breeds.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 27
  • Question
    I've got a very smart French bulldog/Boston terrier of about 20 lbs that seems suited to this. I'm clueless about skateboards. Where can I get one without breaking the bank, and what size?
    Community Answer
    A 1-foot skate board can be found inexpensively at toy and department stores.
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      Tips

      • Be patient. This is not something that your dog will learn right away. Each session should go on either until your dog has successfully completed 20 repetitions or until 3 minutes have passed (whichever comes first). Take a break after each session so that you and your dog do not become overly frustrated.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about teaching a dog to skateboard, check out our in-depth interview with Jennifer Schneider .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhnQRz7_iWE
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG1UFLBNHyA
      3. ↑ https://time.com/4246251/french-bulldog-puppy-skateboard/
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiqWQKc_0F4
      5. http://www.wellbehaveddingo.com/clicker-training/how-to-teach-your-dog-to-skateboard/
      6. http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/How_to_Train_an_English_Bulldog_to_Ride_a_Skateboard

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