Bringing a new dog into your life is an exciting journey, and teaching them tricks is a fantastic way to strengthen your bond, provide mental stimulation, and correct behavioral issues. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or new to the world of canine companionship, this guide will introduce you to 20 simple tricks that you and your furry friend can learn together. By using positive reinforcement methods like treats and praise, training can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you.
Teaching your dog new tricks offers numerous benefits. It provides essential mental and physical exercise, which can be particularly helpful for dogs with behavioral challenges. Consistent training sessions, even just a few minutes a few times a day, can significantly improve your dog’s focus and obedience. Some tricks, like “Sit” and “Paw,” are relatively quick to master, while others, such as “Lie Down” or “Sit Pretty,” may require more time and patience. The key is to keep training fun and engaging, adapting to your dog’s learning pace and preferences. You might find that some tricks come easily, while others remain a work in progress – and that’s perfectly okay! Redirecting your dog to perform learned tricks can be a great way to showcase their talents and build their confidence when meeting new people. For those looking for effective training aids, resources like Brandon McMillan’s “Shake and Break” and “Lure Stick” training tools have been found to be very helpful.
Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog
Here’s a list of 20 beginner-friendly tricks, along with tips on how to teach them:
Sit
“Sit” is a fundamental obedience command and a great foundation for many other tricks. To teach it, simply hold a treat above your dog’s nose and move it slightly back over their head. As their head follows the treat, their rear end will naturally lower into a sit. Reward them immediately with the treat and praise. This trick can be taught both remotely and with a simple hand signal.
Paw and Shake
“Paw” is another excellent foundational trick that can lead to more complex behaviors. Reward your dog when they naturally lift a paw. You can progress by holding a treat in your closed fist and encouraging them to touch it with their paw. “Shake a Paw” can be taught by rewarding them for touching your offered hand with their paw.
Wave
To teach “Wave,” start by asking for “Paw.” Once your dog can reliably offer their paw, begin to move your hand slightly out of reach as they try to touch it. When they successfully touch your moving hand, say “Yes!” and reward them. After several successful repetitions, introduce the command “Wave” when you perform the action.
Say Your Prayers
Begin by having your dog in a “Sit.” Then, using “Paw,” encourage them to place their front paws on your arm. Hold a treat under your arm to guide their head down. This trick may take some practice, especially getting them to perform it without the lure of a treat.
Touch
Hold a treat in your closed fist and encourage your dog to touch your hand with their nose. Once they consistently touch your fist, you can progress to touching your open palm, then eventually to touching objects with their nose. This trick is versatile and serves as a good basis for other commands.
Lie Down
Teaching “Lie Down” can sometimes be challenging. Start with your dog in a “Sit.” Lure their head down towards the floor with a treat, moving it between their front paws. Be patient, as some dogs may feel vulnerable initially. Making a “bridge” with your legs while sitting on the floor can sometimes help dogs feel more secure. If you’re struggling, you can find detailed video tutorials online demonstrating how to teach this trick.
Spin
Many dogs naturally spin, especially when excited. To teach “Spin” on command, lure your dog in a circle with a treat held near their nose. Gradually increase the distance of the lure and eventually transition to a hand signal. You can teach them to spin both clockwise and counter-clockwise.
Tug and Drop
While not strictly a trick, teaching a reliable “Drop” or “Leave It” command is crucial for dogs who love to tug. Start by trading the toy for a high-value treat. Practice this consistently, rewarding them generously when they release the toy.
Unroll the Yoga Mat
This fun trick can be taught by hiding treats inside a loosely rolled yoga mat. Encourage your dog to nudge or paw at the mat to release the treats. Be prepared, as your dog might start unrolling other things in search of hidden goodies!
Speak on Command (or Bark, Sing, Count)
To teach your dog to “Speak,” identify a trigger that naturally makes them bark (like a doorbell or a knock). When they bark in response, immediately say “Speak” and reward them. Be cautious not to reinforce excessive or nuisance barking. Some dogs can even be trained to “sing” or “count” by responding to specific cues.
Walk or Jump on Two Feet
This trick often builds upon “Sit Pretty” or “Spin.” You can lure your dog to stand on their hind legs using a treat, guiding them upwards. With consistent practice and rewards, they’ll learn to balance and stand for short periods. Using a lure stick can be particularly helpful for this trick.
Weave
Teaching your dog to weave through your legs requires patience and coordination. Start by luring your dog through your legs with a treat, rewarding them at the end. Gradually increase the number of weaves they perform before receiving a reward. This trick can also be adapted to weave poles.
Dance
“Dancing” with your dog often involves combining other tricks like walking on two feet, spinning, and weaving in time to music. Luring with treats and rewarding smooth movements is key. Many talented dogs can perform intricate dance routines with their handlers.
Sit Pretty
“Sit Pretty” requires your dog to balance on their hindquarters with their front paws in the air. This trick can be challenging, especially for dogs with certain body types. Ensure your dog has good core strength and practice safely. Start by rewarding them for lifting their paws even slightly off the ground.
Roll Over
To teach “Roll Over,” start with your dog in a “Lie Down” position. Lure their head towards their shoulder with a treat, encouraging them to roll onto their back. This trick can be difficult for some dogs, and it’s important to ensure they feel safe and comfortable throughout the process.
Wait
“Wait” is an invaluable command for safety and impulse control. Start by asking your dog to “Sit” or “Lie Down.” Hold a treat in your hand and say “Wait.” If they remain still, reward them. If they move, simply take the treat away and try again. Gradually increase the duration of the wait and the distance you move away from them.
Close the Door
This trick is surprisingly easy to teach and very practical. Hold a treat next to an open cupboard door and say “Close it.” As your dog nudges the door to get the treat, reward them. With repetition, they’ll learn to close doors on command.
Give a Kiss
To teach “Give a Kiss,” hold a treat near your face and lure your dog towards you. Reward them when they gently touch your face with their nose. It’s important to ensure they don’t try to grab the treat, so practice safety and focus on gentle contact.
Skateboard
Teaching your dog to ride a skateboard can be a fun, albeit more advanced, trick. Start by luring your dog onto the skateboard with treats. Reward them for simply placing their paws on it. Gradually encourage them to push off or allow the board to roll slightly.
Walk Through My Legs
This trick is similar to weaving but involves walking through your legs as you move. Start by standing with your legs slightly apart and lure your dog through. As they become more comfortable, you can gradually narrow your stance and increase the distance you walk together.
Does your dog have a favorite trick? Share it in the comments below! We encourage you to explore these tricks with your canine companion, fostering a deeper connection and enriching both of your lives. Remember, consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are the keys to successful dog training. For more advanced training techniques and fun ideas, be sure to explore our other resources.
