Teaching your German Shepherd tricks is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and provides mental stimulation. This guide offers a variety of fun, and sometimes unusual, tricks suitable for your intelligent canine companion.
Mastering Basic Commands
Before diving into more complex tricks, ensuring your dog has a solid grasp of basic commands is essential. This foundation makes learning new behaviors much smoother.
Speak
To teach your dog to “speak,” get them excited. Hold a treat where they can see it. Once they start barking, either out of excitement or in anticipation of the treat, give the command “speak.” Reward them immediately with the treat. Consistent practice will help your dog associate the command with the action.
Hush/Quiet
This command is particularly useful and builds upon the “speak” command. Have your dog bark a few times, then give the “Quiet” command. As soon as they fall silent, offer a treat. Practicing this when someone is at the door can be very effective.
Beg
If your dog already knows how to sit, teaching “beg” is straightforward. Ask your dog to sit, then hold a treat above their head. Most dogs will instinctively lift their front paws. Use the command “beg” as you raise your hand. Reward them once they perform the action correctly.
Shake
With your dog in a sit position, say “shake” and gently take their paw, shaking it. Offer a treat if they allow this. After a few repetitions, offer your hand without touching their paw. With consistent practice, they’ll eventually offer their paw for the treat.
Impressive and Engaging Tricks
Once your dog has mastered the basics, you can move on to more entertaining and challenging tricks.
High Five
This is an easy progression from “shake.” Start with the “shake” command, gradually raising your hand higher with each repetition until it’s at head level. Then, flip your hand over and give the “high five” command. Your dog will likely lift their paw out of habit.
Wave/Salute
Building on “shake” and “high five,” have your dog sit. Give either command, and when they lift their paw, move your hand away and offer a treat. After a few times, switch the command to “wave.” Eventually, your dog will wave without your hand cue.
Fetch
To teach fetch, get your dog’s favorite toy and build their excitement. Toss the toy a short distance. Instead of chasing them if they run off, call them back to you. Reward them with a treat when they return with the toy. Continue practicing until they consistently bring the toy back to you.
Put Away
This trick teaches your dog to put toys into a designated toy box. Present your dog with a toy and say “put it away” while pointing to the toy box. Offer a treat when they drop the toy into the box. If they don’t, repeat the process without a treat, then offer the toy again.
Dance
If your dog knows a cue to put their front paws up, you can teach them to dance. Give the command and have them hold the position, rewarding them with a treat. Then, say “dance” and gently guide them a few steps. Repeat until they can dance with you.
Army Crawl
Start with your dog in a down position. Show them a treat and let them smell it, but don’t let them have it. Drag the treat across the floor while giving the “crawl” command. Reward them for crawling a few inches. Gradually increase the distance as they improve.
Kiss
To teach a “kiss,” have your dog approach your face. Hold a treat near your face and say “kiss.” When your dog’s nose touches your face, pull back and give the treat. This trick encourages a gentle nose-to-face touch.
Play Piano
Have your dog sit on a piano bench. Give the “shake” command over the keys. As they move their paw, let them hit the keys. Reward them with a treat when a sound is made. Transition the command to “piano” and eventually have them hit keys on cue.
Walk Backwards
Have your dog stand or stay. Hold a treat over their head and say “back.” Reward them for taking a step backward. You can gently nudge them with your leg or body to encourage movement if needed.
Fetch a Drink from the Fridge
This advanced trick requires a dog that won’t raid the fridge. Tie a rope to the fridge handle and encourage your dog to pull it open. Reward them when the door opens. Gradually train them to retrieve a specific item, like a drink, and close the door.
Prayer Time
With your dog sitting, have them jump up onto your forearm, holding the position. Reward them for holding it longer each time. Place a treat under your forearm so their head is between their paws, and give the “pray” command.
Sing Along
If your dog is vocal, they might enjoy this trick. Howl along to music and use a command like “sing.” Your dog may join in. This is best suited for environments where howling won’t disturb others.
Slalom
Use dog training slalom poles. Guide your dog through the poles with a treat, rewarding them at the end. Gradually decrease your physical guidance until they can weave through the poles on command.
Take a Bow
Have your dog stand. Hold a treat at their nose and slowly move it down, using the command “bow.” Keep the treat close to their body to help them keep their hindquarters in the air. Reward them when their chest touches the ground.
Spin
Use a treat to lure your dog into a spin. Give the “spin” command and move your hand in a circular motion. Reward them after a full spin. Repeat until they spin on command, being careful not to let them spin too rapidly.
Remember to always prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being while teaching new tricks. Enjoy the process of bonding and having fun with your German Shepherd!
