One of the great things about owning a dog is teaching them tricks. When introducing your dog to other people, they’ll inevitably ask: What tricks can your dog do? Then your dog is called upon to show off each trick they know and you can be the proud dog parent.
Dogs are capable of learning numerous types of tricks to amuse and entertain. Each dog is different and each one learns at their own pace. Some dogs are more agile and jump around obstacle courses, others prefer basic “sit down” and “lie down” tricks.
And then there’s Ralphie…
Who Is Ralphie the Dog?
Ralphie, the French Bulldog, actually started with a sad story. He was labeled as having a difficult personality. He was hard to adopt out and was even nicknamed the demon dog. He had become famous in his own right just for being difficult.
After several attempts and failures at finding Ralphie a home, and after he had been returned by several families, Ralphie was matched with his now-owner, Jason Lin. Reporter Hayden Dunbar of Knox News shares that Jason Lin had a history of working with difficult dogs and wasn’t daunted by Ralphie’s reputation.
Ralphie’s New Owner
Ralphie fit in well with his new owner, who recognized Ralphie’s strengths and worked with Ralphie on his own time frame. Lin understood that Ralphie had a hard time trusting anyone because of his past experiences and was able to work patiently to build his trust and confidence. Lin’s other dogs got along well with Ralphie and Lin spent a great deal of time introducing Ralphie to new social situations.
Eventually, Ralphie became more comfortable with being around other people and other animals, and was no longer such a difficult personality. He was a fearless and confident dog, and Lin picked up on his abilities and worked with him at his level.
Thus came about Ralphie’s skateboarding. Now, Ralphie is known for skating around his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, and even likes to slide down the slides at the playground. Lin says, “He’s a very resilient dog… a super-positive dog. Every day he’s just up for whatever adventure.”
What Else Does Ralphie Do?
Ralphie is a big personality, and he has fit well into roles that allow him to really shine. In addition to now being known as a skateboarding dog, Ralphie works as a brand ambassador. He’s the star for the carpet-cleaning company, Chem-Dry.
Ralphie also has his own show, called “Real Talk with Ralphie,” The show is composed of short videos, all of Ralphie just being Ralphie.
Where Can I Find Ralphie’s Videos?
You can catch footage of Ralphie on “Real Talk with Ralphie” on YouTube. Ralphie also has his own Instagram page, with plenty of cute photos and reels. There, you can watch him practicing new skateboarding tricks. You can even see his doggie, cat, and human family members.
How Can I Teach My Dog to Skateboard?
Jason Lin actually offers video instruction, which you can find on Ralphieland on Instagram, where he shares how he works with Ralphie on the skateboard. It’s a great option if you want to teach your dog how to skateboard. Here are some training tips as well:
Basic commands
Before trying to teach your dog to skateboard, which is a more advanced trick, it’s important that he knows basic commands. Your dog should be able to follow simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” “heel,” and “come,” to ensure a smooth training session.
Place training
Working with your dog on a skateboard uses the same principle as “place training.” Remember to assess your dog’s personality, age, and agility before attempting the trick. Then, place the board somewhere in your house where your dog can get familiar with it.
Short and fun sessions
Remember to keep the sessions enjoyable. If your dog gets nervous or anxious, slow down the training process and start again later. If your dog gets bored, make the sessions shorter. Always end on a positive note, with a yummy treat.
And here are a few steps to start with:
1. Buy a skateboard: A very important step! You might even include Fido in the buying process, especially if picking out a board online.
2. Find two books: Put one on each end of the skateboard. Make sure the books are heavy enough to keep the board from rolling away, but allow some give so the board moves a little. You want your dog to get used to the feel of the moving skateboard.
3. Hold a treat over the skateboard until your dog gets on the board.
4. Give your dog the treat and plenty of praise.
5. Ask your dog to “stay.”
6. Reward your dog for staying on the board with more treats and praise.
7. Encourage your pup to get off the board. Repeat the process of having him get on the board and rewarding him again.
8. If your dog seems unsure about the motion of the skateboard, you can use something heavier, like bricks, on either side.
Next Steps
After your dog gets used to being on the board, start moving the skateboard a little while he’s on it. He may jump off at first, but just work with him patiently over time until he gets comfortable with more board movement.
Eventually, you can try moving the board when your dog just has his front paws on the board. This way, he can feel his back feet moving with the board. Hold the treat further away from your dog and the board each time, so that your dog has to try to move closer to you while on the board. Your dog will figure out how to move the board with his back feet to get closer to you and the treat.
Final Thoughts
Ralphie overcame his reputation, a rough and sad past, and his mistrust of people. He’s a role model for dogs everywhere, and people too. If Ralphie, the French Bulldog, can become a world-wide skateboarding dog sensation, then your dog can learn to skateboard too!
Just remember to work with your dog at his own pace. Keep training sessions fun and relaxed, and exercise safety around the skateboard.
You might also consider joining him a few times on the skateboard. That way, your pup can see his favorite human do a few tricks as well!