Teaching all dogs new tricks

Whether you have a brand new puppy or an older pooch, it’s important to know how to train a dog. Some dog commands can be used for adorable tricks, like shaking your hand or giving a fist bump, while others can be used for obedience and safety, keeping your dog calm and well behaved in busy public places. It’s simple enough to learn how to teach a dog to fetch, but some dog tricks can require more complicated training. To take the pressure off, we’ve rounded up the easiest tricks to teach your dog.

Learning how to train an older dog with new tricks is a little easier than learning how to train a puppy, but with the proper steps, consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your dog will be doing tricks in no time.

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Nose bump

For one of the easier tricks to teach your dog, here’s a fun canine version of the fist bump. Jessica Ring, certified dog trainer and owner of My Fantastic Friend dog training, recommends these steps.

Step 1: Tuck a smelly treat under your thumb and hold your open palm about one inch away from your dog’s nose.

Step 2: Hold still and wait for your pup to bump your hand with their nose.

Step 3: Say “Yes!” the instant their nose touches your palm. Then provide one of the best dog treats with your other hand.

Step 4: After several successful bumps, remove the treat from under your thumb and try again with an empty hand. Gradually present your hand farther away so your dog has to take some steps to get to it.

Step 5: Add the cue “touch” before presenting your hand.

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Chill

Easy tricks to teach your dog that will also help them chill out? Yes, please. Here’s how Ring does it.

Step 1: Start with your dog in the down position.

Step 2: Wait for any tiny head movement toward the floor. Immediately say “Yes!” to mark the movement, then deliver a treat on the floor.

Step 3: Repeat until your dog has caught on and is deliberately lowering their head. Over time, wait for movements that are gradually closer to the floor until your dog is consistently touching their chin on the floor.

Step 4: Next, add a split second of duration before saying “Yes!” and giving the treat. Add more and more duration until they’re resting their chin on the floor. The secret is to always offer the treat close to the floor.

If your dog struggles to learn this command, or to calm down in general, that could be a sign your dog may need obedience training.

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Ring a bell to go potty

Whether or not your dog is one of the easiest dogs to train, this is one of the most handy tricks to teach your dog because sometimes, you’re too distracted and don’t pick up your pup’s potty cues. Colleen Demling Riley, a certified dog trainer and canine behaviorist at Pawtopia, instructs her pet parent clients to try these steps.

Step 1: Put a treat between the door and the bell. Your dog will ring the bell with their nose as they attempt to eat the treat.

Step 2: When your dog does ring the bell, offer praise, open the door, walk outside, provide your pup the treat, then repeat. This step should be practiced in three-minute sessions, three times a day, for three days.

Step 3: After the third day, wait until it’s potty time and then take your pup to the door and put your hand near the bell. When your dog rings it, take them outside to potty. If they go, offer praise and treats. If they don’t go, bring them back inside. They aren’t allowed to play or go on a walk. This will help your pup learn that the bell is only to be used to go potty and not for another reason.

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Shake paws

This is a classic easy dog trick. It also helps your dog get used to having its paw touched—like for clipping nails. To try the trick for yourself, Riley says to follow these steps. And remember, consistency and positive reinforcement are the biggest dog training secrets.

Step 1: Hide treats or a toy in your closed fist.

Step 2: Place your closed fist near your pup’s paws and wait. They will normally try to lick your hand first but will eventually use their paw. When that happens, say the word “shake,” provide them the reward, lots of praise and then repeat. Make sure not to say the word “shake” until they paw your hand. If you say shake over and over while your hand is being licked, they will think that “shake” actually means “lick.”

Step 3: Keep practice sessions to less than five minutes. After a week of daily practice, remove the treat or toy and put your empty hand by their leg and say “shake.” When they put a paw on your hand, offer praise and a treat.

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Leg weave

Wondering how much exercise your pup really needs each day? If it’s more than they’re currently getting, try sneaking in some exercise to your trick training. It’s worth the effort. Here’s how Liz Claflin, dog trainer and director of operations at Zoom Room, says to start.

Step 1: Tuck several treats into the fist of your right hand. Stand with your dog on your left side.

Step 2: Step out with your right leg and bend your right knee. Reach your right hand under your leg from the outside of your body and in, toward your dog.

Step 3: Encourage your dog to approach your hand with the treats and smell them, then lure your dog under your leg to your right side.

Step 4: Switch the treats to your left hand, lunge with your left leg and reach your hand under your thigh and toward your dog, just as before.

Step 5: Repeat, lunging your way across the room.

Say hi!

Teaching your dog to wave hello is a pretty impressive dog trick to show off at the dog park. It’s also one of the cutest dog behaviors! Some dogs might struggle with dog tricks like this one, but Claflin says that with consistency, patience and lots praise, your pup will be waving in no time.

Step 1: Ask your dog to shake. As they move the paw toward your hand, quickly pull your hand away.

Step 2: As soon as your dog starts to put its paw back down, immediately move your hand in front of him again as if you want them to shake, with the goal of your dog doing two pumps of the paw.

Step 3: If successful, immediately offer a treat.

While you’re prepping your pup to socialize at the dog park with this trick, also learn why do dogs bark at other dogs.

Spin

Here’s another favorite trick from Claflin: the spin. If your dog is one of the hardest dogs to train, remember to stay patient and keep trying until they get it.

Step 1: Take a favorite treat pinched between your thumb and pointer finger and make sure your dog smells it.

Step 2: Have your dog in front of you and lower the treat near their nose and slowly lure them in a big circle. Once your dog completes the spin, reward with a lot of praise and the treat.

Step 3: Once they have successfully spun in a circle two or three times and no longer appear confused, add in your command. Say “Spin!” in a happy tone of voice one time just as you start to lure your dog around in the circle. Repeat.

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Army crawl

This is one of those dog tricks you’ve seen your pup do on its own before—crawling sneakily to casually take a slice of pizza off the coffee table. But now, your pup can learn it on your command with these instructions from Claflin.

Step 1: Place a few favorite treats in one hand and ask your dog to lie down.

Step 2: From there, put your fist full of smelly treats right up to its nose. Stay low to the ground and slowly pull your hand parallel to the floor.

Step 3: You want your dog to crawl forward a tiny bit to get to the treats. If they stand up, simply stop, ask them to lie down again and start over.

Step 4: Once your dog has successfully crawled forward a small amount, praise and reward and then continue to lure them forward. Then praise and reward again.

Treats are important, and so is praise, including offering lavish affection. But do you actually know why dogs like to be petted?

Jump through a hoop

This trick is reminiscent of the dog tricks seen under the big top. Nick Hof, a certified professional dog trainer and canine behavior consultant at Paws Look Listen, shares how to teach it. He says you’ll need a hoop that will be a comfortable size for your dog to jump through—tiny dog breeds might need an extra-small hoop.

Step 1: With one hand, hold the hoop upright and firmly on the ground. With the other hand, hold a treat and use it to lure your dog, having them walk through the hoop.

Step 2: After doing this a couple of times, begin to hold the hoop just a little off the ground and repeat.

Step 3: Continue to raise the hoop until your dog needs to do a little hop over the bottom of the hoop to get across. This is also a good time to remove the treat from your hand so your dog isn’t focused too much on that. After each repetition while they learn, reward them with praise and treats.

Roll over

Dogs roll over all the time on their own accord, along with other dog body language habits. But it’s a little harder to teach a dog to roll over on your command. Hof says to follow these steps.

Step 1: Begin with your dog in a down position. Make sure their hips are rolled to one side.

Step 2: Deliver a treat at one of your dog’s elbows. As they go to get the treat, they will roll their hips in the opposite direction. You will then use a treat to lure their head to follow their hips.

Step 3: Since rolling over is a difficult trick, reward your dog for small steps toward it. Try to reward your dog each time they progressively roll toward the side. If you are too stingy, your dog will get frustrated and leave.

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Back up

Dogs tricks that teach basic commands are fun and can also keep your dog from danger.

Step 1: Start with your dog in a standing position. Hold a treat between two fingers and put your hand underneath your dog’s chest, between their front legs.

Step 2: Your dog will look down and then move back to get the treat. When they do, say “Yes!” and provide them the treat.

Step 3: After a few repetitions, you can add a cue word. (Or have fun and make it a “Beep! Beep!” sound.) provide the cue word or sound right before you put your hand under their chest. You’ll be able to fade this as your dog starts backing up at the cue.

Close the door

You don’t live in a barn! Try this easy dog trick that Hof shares:

Step 1: Start by placing a Post-it note on your hand and present it for your dog to touch. Reinforce your dog’s behavior with a “Yes!” followed by a treat.

Step 2: Place a Post-it note on an open door and ask your dog to touch it. If your dog touches it at all, mark and reinforce. If they don’t, try again but hold your hand right next to the Post-it to help them.

Step 3: Encourage them to keep touching the door until they’ve pushed it closed! This is also great fun to teach on cabinet drawers and doors in the kitchen. Now your dog can help you out around the house.

About the experts

Jessica Ring is a certified dog trainer and owner of My Fantastic Friend dog training. She is an honors graduate of Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers, a rigorous program known as the Harvard of dog training.
Colleen Demling Riley is a certified dog trainer and canine behaviorist who owns Pawtopia, a dog training company. She was chosen as a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in the Pet Industry Network.
Liz Claflin is a certified dog trainer and vice president of strategic projects at Zoom Room, a dog training company.
Nick Hof is a certified professional dog trainer and canine behavior consultant. He owns Paws Look Listen, a dog training company.

Originally Published: August 14, 2019

Why are grocery prices so high right now?

If you feel like your grocery runs are costing more lately, you’re not wrong. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cited that at-home food prices (meaning, nonrestaurant spending) increased 12.4% between October 2021 and October 2022, thanks, in part, to continued inflation and supply chain issues. According to the USDA’s October 2022 Cost of Food report, a single person between the ages of 19 and 50 is suggested to spend between $255 and $450 per month on groceries, and someone between 51 and 70 years old should spend between $249 and $417 per month; both those findings are based on different spending levels. Of course, that number increases the more people you have in your home—and with inflation, that suggested monthly grocery budget feels extra tight.

But even when certain grocery items are marked up to the fullest, there are ways to save if you’re careful with your planning and shopping. Below you’ll find 50 tips for how to save money on groceries—and trust us, some of these grocery store secrets will really come in handy. For more tips on how to save money, check out ways to lower your monthly bills, monthly bills you can negotiate, bills you shouldn’t put on autopsy, easy ways to save $20 a day, and even how to get free stuff almost anywhere.

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1. Shop your pantry

Take a careful look at your pantry, fridge and freezer before heading to the store. There’s a good chance you already have one of the ingredients you need for your planned weeknight dinner. Food sites like Allrecipes and Epicurious have apps that generate recipe ideas based on what you tell them is in your fridge. In fact, shopping her pantry is one way this woman saves nearly $5,000 per year on groceries.

2. Make a list, check it twice

Make an ingredient list and stick to it no matter how good the endcap stocked with new Oreo flavors looks. Grocery apps like EatLove can help with healthy meal planning.

3. Use store apps for more savings

Money expert Gina Zakaria notes that most stores have their own apps where they post information about deals and coupons (sans coupon clipping). Whole Foods, Sam’s Club and Aldi each have their own.

4. Use other apps too

If you’re looking to see how to save money on groceries, look no further than the app store. Shoppers swear by apps like Ibotta, which lets you look for deals on specific items you’ve already bought. Just take a photo of your receipt to redeem the offer, and Ibotta will repay you via Paypal or Venmo. The Flipp app can help you find amazing deals nearby before you shop. Check here for more of the best grocery shopping apps.

5. Shop on Wednesdays

According to Google Maps, stores tend to be less crowded on Wednesday evenings, so you’ll end up less flustered and distracted. It’s also when weekly specials start at many U.S. supermarkets.

6. Buy whole fruits and veggies

Pre-chopped onions and carrots cost more than buying the veggie and doing it yourself. Yes, it takes a little more time, but it can save you some major money. You may want to avoid oranges, however, due to an orange shortage. Here’s how to store produce to make sure those veggies last too.

7. Go generic

Before you pick up that name-brand condiment, take a look at the store brand version sitting right beside it. These options are typically significantly cheaper and contain the same basic ingredients.

8. Pay attention to unit prices

Figure out the unit price (total cost divided by number of units) to compare deals. “Use this number to compare prices across all stores, including warehouse stores where bigger quantities can be misleading,” Zakaria says. She gives this example: If a 60-count box of granola bars at Costco is $10.29, the unit price would be about 17 cents per bar. That number helps decide how to save money on groceries, because you might be getting a better deal by buying more.

9. Don’t go to the store hungry

This may seem obvious, but research shows that you buy more when you’re hungry (including nonfood items!). If you shop when you’re famished, you’re more susceptible to impulse purchases, which typically mean processed or packaged foods that are more expensive and generally less healthy.

10. Skip the big cart

There’s a reason those grocery carts are getting bigger: If you only need a few items but grab a full-size grocery cart, there’s a good chance you’ll buy more. Start with a basket or mini cart, and don’t upgrade unless you absolutely have to. It’ll save you from spur-of-the-moment purchases you probably don’t need.

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11. Eat what’s in season

This is one simple way to save money on groceries. In-season produce is cheaper because it’s more easily available. It’s also more eco-friendly (and tasty).

12. Avoid delivery when you can

Grocery delivery services often come with additional fees, so from the get-go it’s cheaper to buy groceries in person or order them online for pickup. Here are the cheapest ways to order groceries online.

13. Keep a price list

Keeping track of the prices of your most commonly purchased groceries will allow you to see when you’re getting a good deal and when you’re not. For instance, if you recently paid 99 cents for creamed corn, you’ll know not to buy it when you see it for $1.79.

14. Look at expiration dates on sale items carefully

Foods that are significantly marked down are typically close to their use-by date, so make a plan for using them immediately or else they might go to waste. Those dates are often approximate, so you’ll have some wiggle room, but it’s better not to chance it. Here’s how long milk lasts past its sell-by date.

15. Buy versatile foods

Pantry staples like pasta, rice and potatoes can be used a million different ways, so you won’t get sick of them and toss the leftovers. Starchy basics are also a great way to feel full without breaking the bank.

16. Buy ugly produce

Did you know that nearly a third of what’s grown in the U.S. isn’t sold because it’s not quite good-looking enough? Misfits Market rescues that less-than-cute (but still perfectly tasty) tomato from the dumpster and sells it for up to 40% off. It’s organic, sustainable and cost effective.

17. Grate your own cheese

Just as you save money when you don’t buy pre-chopped fruits and veggies, you save money when you buy whole cheese instead of the grated or shredded versions stores sell. Get that grater out at home and voilà!

18. Stop shopping at eye level

We tend to look at items placed at eye level because they’re convenient, and marketers know that, so that’s where the pricier items often end up. Zakaria tells us that more often than not, the better-priced items are placed on the lower shelves. Who knew “look down” could be the answer to how to save money on groceries?

19. Change stores

The store closest to your home might not be the cheapest. Check online or in-store to do some price comparison research and find out what makes sense for your needs. Stores like Walmart, Lidl, Aldi or Costco are typically good bets. Looking for other ways to save? Here’s the cheapest day of the week to do anything.

20. Shop less often

More grocery store visits means more grocery store spending. Keep your trips down to once a week, if possible. This will also force you to use up ingredients you already have at home. Don’t forget to check out the grocery store with the best reputation.

21. Shop alone

When you’re with friends or family, it’s easy to get distracted and pay less attention to what you’re putting in your cart. It’s also easier to spend more time in the store than you need to. Go it alone so you can pay careful attention to your list and stick within your budget. While we’re on the budget topic, here’s how shrinkflation is affecting your grocery budget.

22. Stay away from prepackaged meals

Those frozen options are easy (and pretty delicious), but you’ll pay more for that prepackaged meal than you would if you made it yourself and had some leftovers.

23. Look for cheap sources of protein

When looking for how to save money on groceries, start with your shopping list. Stock up on protein-rich items that provide you a lot of bang for your buck like eggs, tofu, peanut butter, lentils and beans. These inexpensive items can replace pricier animal proteins in many dishes.

24. Buy in bulk

Buying items in bulk almost always gives you the best value per item. If you’re shopping for items you can always use (like pasta, cleaning supplies, baking staples, canned goods, toiletries and even pet food), bulk is the way to go. Pick up those items at your local wholesale store. Here are the things even chefs buy at Costco.

25. Check your farmers market

On average, farmers markets are cheaper than your local grocery store. That’s because when farmers sell their goods directly to consumers, they can use lower markups and still make a profit, which means cheaper veggies for you.

26. Shop at stores with price-matching policies

Comparison shopping is always a good idea, but some major grocery stores like Walmart or Target will actually match prices of their competitors. Be prepared to show proof! Here are some more grocery shopping secrets.

27. Sign up for newsletters

Grocery stores will often provide loyal shoppers a heads-up on approaching sales via email newsletters. Sign up and check your inbox before you head to the store. (By the way, you can get all our product recommendations by signing up for our Stuff We Love newsletter.)

28. Subscribe and save

It’s no secret that Amazon has a huge variety of items, and many of those are eligible for their “subscribe and save” option. If you’re shopping for something you buy frequently or at regular intervals, this option lets you schedule regular deliveries and earn savings on those items.

29. Get a raincheck

If your grocery store is advertising a product on sale but they’ve run out of that item, ask for a raincheck. They may allow you to still get that sale price when they’ve replenished their stock.

30. Shop surplus

Too Good to Go is an app that connects shoppers with grocery stores, bakeries and restaurants that have a surplus that day. Instead of throwing out those items, these places offer super cheap pickups of “surprise bags” filled with food.

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31. Avoid last-minute add-ons

If you’re wondering how to start saving money on groceries, this is maybe the most obvious first step. Stores pack their pay stations with candy bars and other hard-to-pass-up treats because they know they’ll catch your eye while you wait. Stay strong and avoid throwing anything else in your cart while you’re waiting to check out.

32. Don’t be afraid of returns

If you buy something and get home to realize it’s damaged or spoiled, bring it back! There’s no shame in asking for your money back.

33. Watch the register

Cashiers are human, and they can make mistakes when giving you change. Take a moment to make sure you have the correct amount. And while you’re at it …

34. Check your receipts

Sometimes things get scanned twice or price adjustments aren’t made to match sale deals. Make sure you take a look at your receipt to confirm you aren’t being overcharged. Also find out why stores ask for your phone number at checkout before you provide it out next time.

35. Buy whole chicken

Buying wings, breasts or legs separately costs more than buying the whole chicken and breaking it down at home.

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36. Buy frozen produce

Since these fruits and veggies are frozen at prime picking time, you end up getting great quality. Plus, it puts less pressure on you to use those berries or carrots right away, minimizing food waste.

37. Skip bottled water

Switching from bottled water to a water filtration system can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Also, did you know that bottled water expires?

38. Freeze bulk meals

Cooking a big meal and portioning it out is great … but only if you actually eat it all! If you tend to get tired of repeat meals, save a few portions in your freezer so you can enjoy the dish later, when you actually crave it again. Be sure to organize your freezer properly so your meals last (and are easy to find).

39. Join a food co-op

Food co-ops aren’t always cheaper, but they do typically have lower overhead costs. Do some research and see if your local co-op could be a smart budget choice for you. The perks include fresher food and shopping in a more eco-friendly way.

40. Buy less meat

Meat prices have been on a pretty steady rise for a long time. Moving toward a more veggie-centric diet will save you money.

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41. Use a credit card that gives you cash back

Cards like Citi Custom Cash will provide you up to 5% cash back on groceries, so you’re saving money no matter what you buy. Do some comparison credit card shopping to find a card that’s right for you.

42. get the Flashfood app

The Flashfood app lets customers know about their local store’s discounted items (products that are close to their sell-by date). For participating stores, you can order through their app and pick up the products at the Flashfood station inside.

43. Skip the drugstore

When you only need one or two items, it can seem easier to just run in and out of your local CVS. The problem is, you’re likely paying extra for that convenience. Here’s a list of things you should try to avoid buying at the drugstore.

44. Follow your favorite brands

It pays to follow your favorite brands on social media. Check their Instagram and Twitter accounts for product news or deals, and sign up for their email lists for special coupons and savings. This is how to get coupons and use them in the most efficient manner.

45. Shop with cash

If you’re trying to stick to spending a specific amount, there’s no better way to do that than shopping with cash. Take the exact amount you need with you to the store. If you’re running over, put something back, don’t charge it!

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46. Use your slow cooker

There are a few ways your slow cooker saves you money, but one of the biggest is that it allows you to buy cheaper cuts of meat. Tougher pieces like pork shoulder actually work better in a slow cooker.

47. Bring your own bag

Here’s a sustainable tip for how to save money on groceries: Be green and bring your own tote. Many states have implemented a bag tax, or a 5-cent charge to put your groceries in one of the store’s brown paper bags. That might not sound like a lot of money, but it can add up over time.

48. Buy refillable cleaning products

Buying soap refills (sans spray bottle) is cheaper and better for the environment. Simply pick up a glass or plastic one to re-use, then keep decanting your refills into the bottle.

49. Keep inventory on your fridge door

It’s easy to waste food when produce or dairy gets hidden behind other items in your fridge. A good way to fix this is by adding a simple list to the front of your refrigerator as a reminder of what fresh items you have in there that need to be eaten quickly. Every time you open the fridge to grab something, you’ll see it. Fridge organization for the win!

50. Join a buy-sell-swap group on Facebook

Facebook is filled with buying and selling groups, but you can even score some pretty great food deals here! If someone in your area is moving out of their apartment or going on vacation, they may list untouched bags of rice or pasta that neighbors can grab for free.

Next up, find out why most grocery stores don’t have windows.

Sources:

Originally Published: December 05, 2022

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