You have probably seen trending videos all over social media of skateboarding dogs. Let’s face it: it’s pretty intriguing and addictive. But, unfortunately, the internet cannot handle the cuteness of dogs!
Would you also like to make your dog an internet sensation? If yes, you could teach them to skateboard.
Dogs can be taught to ride skateboards by gradually introducing them to it and rewarding them for their progress. The question – How do you teach skateboarding to your puppy? This article will highlight the step-by-step method of teaching your dog how to skateboard. Don’t worry – your pup will get the hang of it soon enough.
Things You Will Need To Get Started Teaching Your Dog To Skateboard!
It’s time to get started with the training session!
You will need the following things:
- A skateboard
- Dog food
- Treats
You need three things to get started. First, dog food and treats are required for positive reinforcement, so keep healthy treats and some yummy dry food to motivate your dog throughout the training session.
How Much Time Does It Take To Teach Your Dog To Skateboard?
Skateboarding can be a fun activity for dogs but the process will take time. Depending on your dog, it may take fifteen minutes, a couple of hours, or up to four weeks for your dog to learn skateboarding. Therefore, the importance of patience cannot be overstated.
It is difficult to predict the exact timeframe for your dog to learn skateboarding because every dog is unique. You have to wait for them to get comfortable with the skateboard. Moreover, it might take some time for them to step up on the skateboard with four paws and move with it.
Step-by-Step Method to Teach Your Dog to Skateboard
Don’t worry about the result – focus on following the step-by-step method.
Step 1: Finding The Right Skateboard
For the size, your dog should be able to stand normally on the board. So choose a platform that’s at least one inch wider and longer than your dog.
Then, not all skateboards are appropriate for dogs. In general, a long cruiser with soft wheels is the best option for them to learn.
The Kryptonics Stubby Board (for small dogs) and the Landyatchz Tugboat Skateboard (for larger breeds) are good models to consider. But anything that’s easy and comfortable to ride should do the job.
Learn more about the best skateboards for dogs!
Step 2: Let Your Dog Explore The Skateboard
Keep the skateboard on a carpeted area or grass, and then let your dog sniff it. If your dog is showing no interest in the skateboard, you must motivate them with some treats and food.
Step 3: Observe your dog’s reaction
Start spinning the wheels of the skateboard and see how your dog reacts. There is a chance your dog will get scared of the new object, or they might even try to attack it.
Your dog might take some time to get used to the skateboard. Be patient!
Here’s why some dogs might hate skateboards.
Step 4: Help them to Get Comfortable
Praise your dog whenever they show interest in the skateboard. Then, roll the skateboard in front of them daily until they get comfortable.
You have to ensure that you place the skateboard on a carpet or grass. This way, it will not move, and your dog will have confidence that it won’t fall off.
Dogs can sense danger. When the ground is slippery and the skateboard moves, they will never try to get on it.
Step 5: Help Them Step Onto The Skateboard
Step on the skateboard, and encourage your dog to step on it too. One paw would be a great start. Eventually, your dog will start keeping both paws.
The trick is not to give up and encourage them to get comfortable with the skateboard. Let them know that standing on the skateboard is safe. Reward them whenever they keep a paw on the skateboard.
Step 6: It’s time to Move the Skateboard
Once your dog keeps four of his paws on the skateboard, you need to start moving it. Go very slow with this. If you move it too fast too quickly, your dog will probably try to jump off the skateboard. Let them learn at their own pace.
Reward your dog with half a treat when they stay on the skateboard for some time.
Step 7: It Takes Time, But Your Dog Will Learn
Positive reinforcement and constant motivation will help your dog become a skateboarding pro. Let them enjoy the board once they are comfortable with it.
There is a chance your dog will get obsessed with the skateboard. Your dog might feel like chewing the skateboard or simply barking at it, but be persistent.
Dogs take some time to learn – it also depends on your breed and how sharp their memory is. They will get their AHA moment when you guide and encourage them to get on the skateboard and move.
Once your dog is familiar with the same environment, you need to introduce them to a new one. This will help them develop their skills.
What Dog Breed Can Skateboard?
Certain breeds learn different activities faster. For example, we have seen Bulldogs doing the skateboard trick, and they’re very good at it.
Don’t lose hope! Any breed can learn how to skateboard. Of course, a little bit of persistence will be required, but a happy day will arrive.
Spoiler alert: Some dogs have short legs. Their legs can’t reach the floor, so it might be difficult for them to skateboard.
Once again, please don’t lose hope because there are corgis who know how to skateboard, and they’re pros too.
Can Your Dog ACTUALLY Skateboard?
Why not?
We have seen dog skateboarding videos everywhere. They can skateboard, and with some practice, you will find that your dog might become the next star dog on a TV show.
It’s nice to have your dog with some exemplary talent. Dogs CAN skateboard, but you have to be patient with them during the training session.
You need to get a wide and long enough skateboard that’s easy and smooth to ride for your pup. Of course, some dogs may be too big or too small to skateboard, but you can always try.
Also note that each dog has different physical abilities and learning paces. Your dog may learn it faster while others might take some more time or vice-versa.
Either way, don’t push them to learn everything right away. Instead, let them take some time and explore their abilities.
Let’s Get That Dog Stoked About Skateboarding!