Teaching your German Shepherd tricks is a fantastic way to strengthen your bond, provide mental stimulation, and ensure they are well-behaved. German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to please, making them ideal candidates for learning a wide variety of commands and fun actions. This guide offers 20 engaging tricks, ranging from basic commands to more unusual feats, that you can teach your canine companion.
Basic Commands: Building a Foundation
These fundamental tricks are essential for any dog and provide a solid base for more complex training.
Speak and Hush/Quiet
Speak: To teach your dog to speak on command, get them excited, perhaps by holding a treat they desire. Once they are showing anticipation, give the command “speak.” When they bark, immediately reward them with the treat. Consistent practice will help them associate the word with the action.
Hush/Quiet: This command is most effective if your dog already knows “speak.” Have them bark a few times, then give the command “Quiet.” As soon as they stop barking, reward them with a treat. This is particularly useful for managing excessive barking, such as when someone is at the door.
Beg
If your dog has mastered the “sit” command, “beg” is a natural progression. Have your dog sit, then hold a treat above their head. Most dogs will instinctively lift their front paws. As they begin to beg, give the command. Reward them when they perform the action correctly.
Shake and High Five
Shake: Start with your dog in a sit position. Say “shake” and gently take their paw, shaking it briefly. Reward them with a treat. After a few repetitions, offer your hand for the command. They will likely offer their paw in anticipation of the treat, associating the action with the reward.
High Five: Building on the “shake” command, have your dog sit and prepare to “shake.” Gradually raise your hand higher with each repetition. Once your hand is at head level, flip it over. Give the “high five” command. Your dog will likely lift their paw out of habit from “shake,” and you can then reward them.
Wave/Salute
This trick also stems from “shake” and “high five.” Have your dog sit and give a “shake” or “high five” command. When they lift their paw, move your hand away and give them a treat. After a few times, switch the command to “wave.” Eventually, they will wave without your hand needing to be there.
Engaging Actions: Adding Fun to Training
Once your dog has a handle on the basics, these tricks add an extra layer of fun and engagement.
Fetch
For this classic trick, get your dog excited about their favorite toy. Toss it a short distance away. Instead of chasing them if they run off with it, call them back to you. If they drop the toy, retrieve it and toss it again. Continue this until they bring the toy back to you, then reward them. Consistency is key to teaching your dog to return the toy reliably.
Put Away
This trick is not only fun but also practical. Show your dog their toy box and say “put it away” while giving them a toy. If they need encouragement to drop the toy, offer a treat. Reward them when the toy lands in the box. If the toy misses the box, don’t give a treat; instead, repeat the process.
Dance
If your dog knows how to “up” (lifting their front paws), dancing is achievable. Give your command and have them hold the position. Reward them for holding it. Then, gently guide them as you take a few steps together, giving the command “dance.” Reward them for moving with you.
Army Crawl
Start with your dog in a down position. Show them a treat, allowing them to smell it but not have it. Drag the treat slowly across the floor while giving the command “crawl.” Reward them for crawling a short distance. If they stand up, restart the process. Gradually increase the distance they need to crawl to earn a treat. Be mindful of the surface to avoid irritating your dog’s belly.
Kiss
This trick is for the affectionate dog owner. Have your dog touch their nose to your face (cheek, nose, etc.) when you give the “kiss” command. Hold a treat near your face, and as soon as their nose touches you, give the treat. Reward this specific action, differentiating it from general licking.
Play Piano
Teach your dog to “play” the piano by having them sit on a bench in front of the keys. Give the “shake” command near the keys. When they hit a key, reward them immediately. Transition the command to “piano” with similar hand gestures. Eventually, remove your hand and just use the command, rewarding each key press.
Walk Backwards
This trick can be useful for guiding your dog away from unsafe situations. Have your dog stand or stay. Hold a treat over their head and give the command “back.” Some dogs will understand quickly, while others may need gentle nudges with your leg or body. Praise and reward each step backward.
Fetch a Drink from the Fridge
This advanced trick requires a dog that is not prone to counter-surfing or raiding the fridge. Attach a rope to the fridge handle and encourage your dog to pull it open. Reward them when it opens. Then, work on having them close it. Once they can open and close it, place a toy or a specific drink inside and guide them to retrieve it.
Prayer Time
If your dog knows how to “up,” you can teach them to “pray.” Have them sit, then jump up onto your forearm, holding the position. Gradually increase the duration they hold the pose for a reward. Then, coax them into resting their head between their paws, using a treat as a lure, and give the “pray” command.
Sing Along
This trick is best for vocal dogs and may require consideration of your living situation. Play music that seems to engage your dog, or start howling yourself. Give a command like “sing.” Many dogs will naturally howl along with music or their owner.
Slalom
Using dog training slalom poles is recommended for safety. Guide your dog through the poles with a treat, rewarding them at the end. Repeat until they can navigate the poles with just a verbal command. You can increase the pace by weaving your hand faster through the poles or move them closer together to challenge their footwork.
Take a Bow
Start with your dog standing. Hold a treat at their nose and slowly move it down towards the ground, giving the “bow” command. Keep the treat close to their body to encourage them to keep their hindquarters in the air. Reward them when their chest touches the ground and they return to standing.
Spin
This is an easy and entertaining trick. Use a treat to lure your dog into a spin. Give the command “spin” and move your hand in a circular motion. Reward them when they complete a full circle. Repeat until they spin on command. Be cautious not to encourage them to spin too quickly, which could lead to dizziness.
Play Dead
This trick is easier if your dog already knows “down” or “roll over.” Have your dog lay down. Use a command like “bang” (or another chosen word) and use a treat to coax them to roll onto their side. Reward them for holding the position. Continue practicing until they can perform the action on command without the lure.
When teaching your German Shepherd any trick, always prioritize their health and safety. Keep training sessions positive, and celebrate their successes to make the learning process enjoyable for both of you. These tricks offer not just entertainment but also valuable mental exercise that contributes to a well-rounded and happy dog.
