52 Commands and Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Teaching your dog new tricks is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and keeps their mind engaged. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, there are countless commands and tricks you can teach them. This guide breaks down 52 popular tricks, offering step-by-step instructions to help you and your canine companion succeed. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are key to successful dog training.

Foundational Training: Clicker and Name Recognition

Before diving into complex tricks, establishing a strong foundation is crucial. This involves teaching your dog to associate a clicker sound with a treat and to recognize their own name.

Trick #1: Respond to the Clicker

This is the cornerstone of many training methods.

Step 1: Click the clicker and immediately give your dog a treat.
Step 2: Repeat this process approximately thirty times. This helps your dog understand that the click signifies a reward is coming.
Step 3: Maintain this association by always pairing a click with a treat. Never click without rewarding.

Trick #2: Learn Its Name

Teaching your dog their name is fundamental for communication and control.

Step 1: When your dog looks at you, click and offer a treat.
Step 2: Repeat this 2 to 4 times.
Step 3: Say your dog’s name as they look at you.
Step 4: Repeat this step 5-7 times.
Step 5: Call your dog by name. If they look at you, offer praise and a treat.

Trick #3: Touch

This trick teaches your dog to touch an object with their nose or mouth, which is a building block for many other commands.

Step 1: Hold a “touch stick” (like a dowel) away from you.
Step 2: When your dog naturally touches it with their nose or mouth, click and treat. Continue this until they readily touch the stick.

Basic Commands: Sit, Down, Stand, and Release

These are essential commands that form the basis of obedience training and can be prerequisites for more advanced tricks.

Trick #4: Sit

A classic command that every dog should know.

Step 1: Wait for your dog to sit on their own. Click and treat the moment they do.
Step 2: Repeat this several times.
Step 3: As your dog begins to sit, say the command “Sit” just as they are performing the action. Click and treat.
Step 4: Continue practicing, gradually phasing out the lure and relying on the verbal cue.

Trick #5: Down

This command is useful for calming your dog and is a building block for other tricks.

Step 1: Have your clicker and treats ready.
Step 2: Observe your dog and wait for them to lie down naturally. Immediately click and treat.
Step 3: Continue this until your dog begins to lie down more frequently, anticipating the reward.
Step 4: Begin introducing the verbal cue “Down” just as they are starting to lie down.

Trick #6: Stand

Teaching your dog to stand on command can make grooming and handling easier.

Step 1: Have your dog lie down. Wait for them to stand up on their own. Click and treat.
Step 2: Repeat this several times. Standing is a natural behavior, so it might require more repetition for them to understand the association with the reward.
Step 3: As they begin to stand, say the command “Stand.” Click and treat.

Trick #7: Release

This command signals to your dog that they are free to move from a “sit” or “stay” position.

Step 1: Ask your dog to sit. After a few seconds, use a distinct hand motion and the verbal command “Release.”
Step 2: When your dog moves from the sit position, click and treat enthusiastically.
Step 3: Practice this until your dog consistently releases on command.

Advanced Obedience and Safety Commands

These commands are vital for your dog’s safety and for building more complex behaviors.

Trick #8: Come

This is perhaps the most critical command for your dog’s safety.

Step 1: Load the cue by approaching your dog and saying the command you’ll use to call them (e.g., “Come here, Puddles”), followed immediately by a treat.
Step 2: Repeat this multiple times throughout the day, varying the treats to keep it engaging.

Trick #9: Stay

This command teaches your dog to remain in a specific position until released.

Step 1: Ask your dog to sit. Click and treat.
Step 2: Say “Stay.” Wait for six seconds, then say “Release” and click/treat.
Step 3: Gradually increase the duration of the “stay” before releasing.

Trick #10: Heel

Teaching your dog to walk politely by your side without pulling is essential for enjoyable walks.

Step 1: Have your dog on a leash, ideally clipped to your belt on your left side.
Step 2: If your dog pulls, do not move forward. Wait for the leash to slacken before proceeding.
Step 3: Reward your dog with a click and treat when they are walking close to you on your left side.

Trick #11: Take It

This command teaches your dog to pick up an object you indicate.

Step 1: Place one of your dog’s favorite toys on the ground. Wait for them to pick it up. Click and treat.
Step 2: Repeat this until they readily pick up the toy. Then, start using the command “Take it” just before they pick it up.

Trick #12: Leave It

A crucial command for preventing your dog from ingesting harmful substances.

Step 1: With your dog on a leash, let them sniff a treat, then place it on the floor a short distance away.
Step 2: As they move towards the treat, say “Leave it” and gently restrain them with the leash.
Step 3: When your dog looks back at you, click and treat with a different, higher-value treat.

Trick #13: Bring It

This command trains your dog to retrieve an object and bring it to you.

Step 1: Use the “Take It” command to have your dog pick up a toy.
Step 2: Encourage your dog to come towards you with the toy. Click and treat after a few steps.
Step 3: Gradually increase the distance they need to come before receiving the reward.

Fun and Engaging Tricks

Once your dog has mastered the basic commands, you can move on to more entertaining tricks that will impress your friends and family.

Trick #14: Learn Names of Objects

Expand your dog’s vocabulary by teaching them the names of various household items.

Step 1: Teach your dog to touch your hand on command.
Step 2: Place an object in your hand and say its name (e.g., “Squeaky”). Click and treat when your dog touches the object.
Step 3: Gradually progress to having them identify objects by name from a selection.

Trick #15: Ring a Bell

Train your dog to signal when they need to go outside by ringing a bell.

Step 1: Use a training stick to guide your dog to touch a jingle bell. Click and treat when they do.
Step 2: Encourage them to touch the bell on their own.
Step 3: Each time you take them outside, have them touch the bell first as part of the routine.

Trick #16: Eliminate on Command

This can be helpful for house-training and ensuring your dog goes when you need them to.

Step 1: Designate a specific spot in your yard for elimination.
Step 2: As soon as your dog finishes, click and treat.
Step 3: Introduce a verbal cue like “Park” or “Go potty” just before they start eliminating.

Trick #17: Leap Over a Stick

A fun agility-style trick that builds confidence.

Step 1: Have your dog sit and stay while you lay a stick on the ground. Call your dog to you, encouraging them to step over the stick. Click and treat.
Step 2: Gradually elevate the stick by placing books underneath it, increasing the jump height.

Trick #18: Jump Through a Hoop

Build upon the “Leap” command to teach your dog to jump through a hoop.

Step 1: Let your dog get accustomed to the hoop by rewarding them for approaching it.
Step 2: Have a helper hold the hoop horizontally on the ground. Lure your dog through it. Click and treat.
Step 3: Slowly raise the hoop to a comfortable jumping height.

Trick #19: Jump Over People

A more advanced trick that requires a confident and athletic dog.

Step 1: Ensure your dog is comfortable jumping over an elevated stick.
Step 2: Have a helper kneel on their hands and knees. Encourage your dog to jump over them, starting with a familiar stick placed over the helper.
Step 3: Gradually remove the stick, having your dog jump over the kneeling person.

Trick #20: Go to a Place

Teach your dog to go to a designated spot or marker on command.

Step 1: Use a training stick to guide your dog to a specific spot (e.g., a mat or a piece of tape). Click and treat when they are on the spot.
Step 2: Give the spot a name (e.g., “Place,” “Mat”). Click and treat when they go to it on command.

Trick #21: Spin

Teach your dog to spin in a circle.

Step 1: Use a treat or a touch stick to lure your dog into a circular motion. Click and treat when they complete a full spin.
Step 2: Introduce a verbal cue like “Spin” or a hand signal (like a finger circle).

Trick #22: High Five / Paw / Shake Hands

A crowd-pleasing trick that strengthens the bond between you and your dog.

Step 1: Have your dog sit in front of you.
Step 2: When your dog naturally lifts a paw, click and treat.
Step 3: Gradually introduce the verbal cue “Paw” or “High Five” as they lift their paw.

Trick #23: Shake

Similar to “Paw,” this teaches your dog to offer their paw.

Step 1: You can “catch” this behavior when your dog naturally shakes water off after a bath or a walk in the rain. Click and treat.
Step 2: Introduce the command “Shake” as they perform the action.

Trick #24: Jump

Teach your dog to jump on command, perhaps to catch a toy.

Step 1: Use a touch stick held high to encourage your dog to jump. Click and treat as soon as their feet leave the ground.
Step 2: Gradually increase the height.

Trick #25: Roll Over

A classic trick that requires coordination and trust.

Step 1: Have your dog lie down. Use a treat or touch stick to lure them onto their side, then onto their back. Click and treat at each stage.
Step 2: Continue luring until they complete a full roll.

Trick #26: Sit Pretty (Beg)

This trick involves your dog sitting up on their hind legs.

Step 1: Have your dog sit. Hold a treat above their head, slowly moving it backward.
Step 2: Click and treat when they lift their front paws off the ground.
Step 3: Gradually introduce the command “Beg” or “Sit Pretty.”

Trick #27: Speak (Bark on Command)

Train your dog to bark when you give the command.

Step 1: Elicit a bark (e.g., by ringing the doorbell). As they bark, say “Speak” and click/treat.
Step 2: Practice until your dog barks on the verbal cue alone.

Trick #28: Hush (Be Quiet)

The counterpart to “Speak,” this teaches your dog to stop barking on command.

Step 1: When your dog is barking, wait for a brief pause. As soon as they are quiet, click and treat.
Step 2: Introduce the command “Hush” just before the pause.

Trick #29: Tug

Teach your dog to play tug-of-war appropriately and to release the toy on command.

Step 1: Offer a rope toy and say “Take it.” Reward them for grabbing it.
Step 2: Gently tug the toy, encouraging your dog to pull back. Click and treat when they engage in tugging. Use “Tug” as the command.
Step 3: Teach a release cue like “Drop it.”

Trick #30: Open/Close a Door

This is a practical trick that can be useful.

Step 1: Tie a bandana or cloth to the door handle. Encourage your dog to pull it. Click and treat when the door opens.
Step 2: Introduce the command “Open” as they pull. For closing, you might need to guide them.

Trick #31: Fetch

A classic game that provides excellent exercise.

Step 1: Start with the “Take It” and “Give” commands.
Step 2: Have your dog “give” the toy, then toss it a short distance. Say “Take it” and click/treat when they retrieve it.
Step 3: Gradually increase the throwing distance.

Trick #32: Walk Backwards

This trick requires coordination and is a fun challenge.

Step 1: Stand facing your dog and take a step towards them. Click and treat when they take a step backward.
Step 2: Continue encouraging backward steps, rewarding multiple steps together.

Trick #33: Yawn

This trick is best “caught” by the clicker when your dog naturally yawns.

Step 1: Observe your dog, especially when they might be anxious or anticipating something (like going outside).
Step 2: As soon as they yawn, click and treat. This requires patience and good timing.

Trick #34: Bring Your Slippers (or other objects)

Combine “Learn Names,” “Take It,” and “Bring It” to teach your dog to retrieve specific items.

Step 1: Teach your dog the name of the object (e.g., “Slippers”).
Step 2: Use “Take It” and “Bring It” commands to have them retrieve the named object.

Trick #35: Bring Me Its Leash

Train your dog to fetch their leash when it’s time for a walk.

Step 1: Place the leash on the floor and use the “Take It” command. Click and treat.
Step 2: Move to the door and ask your dog to “Take it,” “Bring it,” and “Drop it” into your hand. Click and treat. Use “Leash!” as the command.

Trick #36: Get Your Dish

Teach your dog to bring their food bowl when they are hungry.

Step 1: Use “Learn the Names of Everything” to teach them to touch their dish on command.
Step 2: Use “Take It” to teach them to hold the dish. This may require extra patience.
Step 3: Combine commands to have them bring the dish to you.

Trick #37: Put Toys Away

A tidy trick that involves your dog gathering their toys into a basket.

Step 1: Place a basket or box nearby.
Step 2: Guide your dog to pick up a toy (“Take it”), bring it to the basket (“Bring it”), and drop it in (“Drop it”). Click and treat. Use “Put your toys away” as the command.

Trick #38: Search/Find It

A fun scent game that engages your dog’s natural instincts.

Step 1: Have your dog sit.
Step 2: Show them an object they know the name of. Place it under something obvious (like a towel) and say “Find it.” Click and treat when they locate it.

Trick #39: Catch

Train your dog to catch balls or other thrown objects.

Step 1: Start with short distances, throwing treats for your dog to catch. Click and treat for successful catches.
Step 2: Introduce the command “Catch” as they are learning.

Trick #40: Act Ashamed

A humorous trick that involves a visual cue.

Step 1: Gently place a piece of tape or a sticky note on your dog’s nose, encouraging them to paw at it. Click and treat.
Step 2: Introduce a phrase like “I’m Ashamed of you!” as they paw at their nose.

Trick #41: Left/Right

Teach your dog to differentiate between your left and right sides.

Step 1: Use a touch stick to guide your dog around your right side to stand by your left. Click and treat.
Step 2: Introduce the command “Left” as they position themselves on your left.

Trick #42: Weave

This agility trick involves your dog weaving through a line of obstacles.

Step 1: Set up cones or other markers in a line. Guide your dog through them using a touch stick. Click and treat after they navigate a few obstacles.
Step 2: Gradually increase the number of obstacles and reduce reliance on the touch stick.

Trick #43: Count

Teach your dog to associate sounds or visual cues with numbers.

Step 1: Have your dog sit facing you. Hold a treat in one hand and have your other hand ready to signal.
Step 2: Ask your dog to “Speak” (bark) a certain number of times, rewarding each bark. This requires precise timing and repetition.

Trick #44: Bow

A graceful trick where your dog lowers their front end while keeping their rear end up.

Step 1: Encourage playful movements that resemble a bow. Click and treat when they adopt the position.
Step 2: Introduce the command “Bow” as they start to perform the action.

Trick #45: Jump Rope

A challenging but impressive trick for athletic dogs.

Step 1: Start by having your dog jump over a stationary jump rope. Click and treat.
Step 2: Gradually introduce movement of the rope and eventually have them jump as it passes by.

Trick #46: Fetch a Drink

Teach your dog to retrieve a drink for you.

Step 1: Use the “Take It” command with a safe, dog-appropriate bottle.
Step 2: Combine “Take It,” “Bring It,” and “Drop It” to have them deliver the drink to you.

Trick #47: Bring You a Tissue

A helpful trick for those sniffles.

Step 1: Place a tissue box on the floor. Use “Take It” to have your dog pull out a single tissue. Click and treat.
Step 2: Combine with “Bring It” and “Drop It” to have them deliver the tissue. You can even teach them to “Drop it” in the trash.

Trick #48: Turn On a Light

This trick requires careful training and safety considerations.

Step 1: Use a laser pointer or touch stick to guide your dog to jump and touch the light switch. Focus on them using their paw pads, not claws.
Step 2: Click and treat when they successfully touch the switch. This trick may require significant repetition and careful environmental setup.

Trick #49: Limp

Teach your dog to simulate a limp on command.

Step 1: Gently lift one of your dog’s front paws slightly and encourage them to take a step or two while holding the paw up. Click and treat.
Step 2: Practice until they can mimic a limp with minimal assistance. Use the command “Limp.”

Trick #50: Crawl

Teach your dog to move forward while in a down position.

Step 1: Have your dog lie down. Use a treat or touch stick to coax them forward, ensuring they maintain the down position. Click and treat.
Step 2: Introduce the command “Crawl” as they start to move naturally.

Trick #51: Play Dead

A dramatic trick where your dog rolls onto their back and stays still.

Step 1: Have your dog lie down. Use a lure to guide them onto their side and then onto their back. Click and treat at each stage.
Step 2: Once they can get into the position, introduce the command “Play Dead.”

Trick #52: Bang!

A showstopper that combines “Limp,” “Crawl,” and “Play Dead” for a dramatic finale.

Step 1: Teach and practice “Limp,” “Crawl,” and “Play Dead” individually, clicking and treating after each action.
Step 2: Combine the commands, rewarding only at the very end.
Step 3: Introduce the command “BANG!” just before giving the sequence of commands.

Helpful Training Tips

Keep Commands Concise: Use one or two-syllable words for commands, as they are easier for dogs to identify.
Short Training Sessions: Aim for training sessions around 5 minutes long to maintain your dog’s focus and prevent frustration.
End on a High Note: Always try to end a training session with a successful command or trick. This reinforces a positive learning experience.

Most of these tricks require consistent practice over multiple training sessions. Celebrate small victories and enjoy the process of learning and bonding with your dog.