How to Teach a Dog to Walk on Its Front Legs

By eHow Pets Editor

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Dog treats
Small bench/chair or incline
Patience
Dog wheelchair/cart/support unit
Dog treats
Patience

Teaching a Healthy Dog

Step 1:
Teach your dog first how to bow and then how to crawl. This will condition it to place its weight on its front legs.
Step 2:
Place the dog on an inclined surface, with its rear higher than its head. You can set up a small ramp or place the dog so that its rear rests on a small stool or chair while its front legs rest on the ground.
Step 3:
Raise the dog's behind into a vertical position and say, "Raise rear." Hold it there for a few seconds and then take your hand away.
Step 4:
Repeat Step 3, encouraging the dog with treats to keep its rear held in the air for longer periods of time.
Step 5:
Hold a treat in front of the dog's nose, once it has mastered the "Raise rear" command and say, "Come."
Step 6:
Repeat Step 5, holding the treat further and further from the dog until it is comfortable walking on its front legs.
Step 7:
Reward the dog with treats, praise and affection when it comes to you.

Teaching an Injured Dog

Step 1:
Purchase the appropriate dog cart or rear leg support unit recommended by your veterinarian.
Step 2:
Attach the support unit to your dog's body according to the directions. If the dog seems skittish, stroke and praise it as you put the unit on.
Step 3:
Position the dog in the cart facing you to get its attention.
Step 4:
Hold a treat just outside of its reach and say, "Come."
Step 5:
Repeat Step 4, gradually holding the treat further and further away.
Step 6:
Reward the dog with treats, praise and affection when it comes to you.

Tips & Warnings

This trick is best taught to small dogs with relatively long legs in proportion to their body size.
Some dogs learn to walk on their front legs on their own, usually as a result of injury or paralysis to their rear legs or paws.

Resources

Get prosthetic equipment for injured pets at Handicapped Pets.com.

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