National Pet Trick Day
Prepare your dogs for a month of fun leading up to National Pet Tricks Day in September!
Held on 30th September, Joe Nutkins at Dog Training for Essex and Suffolk is fast approaching the 6th year for National Pet Tricks Day. Which means even more fun tricks all through September including Tricks Bingo, The Tricklympics and their annual Trick Of The Year! 
Photograph: Murphy Mini Dachshund - Tell Me A Secret Trick
Last years was create a magic trick with your dog and the year before was the 'Tell Me A Secret' trick. This year's big trick is a take on the Buzz Wire Challenge - but don't worry we aren't using live wires or making pets jump with a sudden buzz!
The fun is all free to take part in and is aimed at dogs plus all willing pets with tutorials from our own Dogs, Ferrets, Chickens, Ducks and more.
All of the previous tricks challenges etc are on the National Pet Tricks Day Facebook page as well as by looking at the #nationalpettricksday hashtag on all Social media.
Photograph: Pepper Potts, Merlin and Ripley - Paws Up
Why Tricks?
There's a trick for every dog breed, age and ability.
Dog tricks can be taught at any age: from 9 weeks old to 3 years old to 16 years old! Tricks can be adjusted to keep them safe for puppies etc.
Photograph: Merlin Paws Wrap - by Arthouse Photography
Tricks Training can help strengthen the bond you have with your dog: puppy, adult, rescue, rehome, foster .
Photograph: Ripley Jump Pole - by Arthouse Photography
Many tricks help other dog sports and activities such as canine parkour, Heelwork to music, hoopers and agility as well as fitness and conditioning!
There is a whole group of tricks that help wort pet husbandry; give paw to help check paws and clip nails, chin target to help towards having the face handled and teeth checked.
Tricks can easily be adapted to suit each dog: lower heights for puppies, different items for fetch etc.
Photograph: Murphy - Piano
Some tricks can be wonderful while a dog is on crate rest / recovery after illness or an operation.
Photograph: Harmony, Black Labrador - Basketball Trick
Tricks can and do help boost a nervous or shy dog’s confidence - learning, succeeding, being praised all help!
Photograph: Monty, Shih Tzu - Piano Trick
Tricks are a great way for children to spend quality time with the family dog and can be adapted for dog or child
Photograph: Ruby, Cockerpoo with medal from last year's Tricklympics
What Is Joe Nutkins Style of Teaching?
I am a positive and reward based Dog Trainer which means I use guiding with lures, hand signals, and encouragement to help dogs start understanding what the task is along with rewards to show dogs an incentive for taking part. Rewards are whatever each dog finds rewarding and can include treats, toys (play or fetch), having strokes or a fuss (inc belly rubs!)
As a certified dog tricks instructor I am hugely passionate about tricks training and the benefits of working on tricks with our dogs and other pets.
Teazle, Romanian Rescue - Wipe Paws Trick on Magic Paper
To date I have 4 Trick dog champions, an advanced trick duck and an expert trick dog soon to take her champion test!
Photograph: Luna, Samoyed - Sip Cocktail Trick
