Teaching your German Shepherd new tricks is a fantastic way to strengthen your bond, provide mental stimulation, and enhance their overall well-being. This guide explores 20 engaging tricks, ranging from basic commands to more complex actions, perfect for training your intelligent and eager canine companion.
Basic Obedience and Vocalization Tricks
Speak and Hush/Quiet
Starting with vocal commands can be very rewarding. To teach “Speak,” get your dog excited and offer a treat. As they bark, say “Speak” and immediately reward them. Repeat this consistently. For “Hush” or “Quiet,” once your dog knows “Speak,” let them bark a few times, then command “Quiet.” Reward them the instant they stop barking. This is particularly useful for managing excessive barking, especially when someone is at the door.
Beg
This trick is ideal for dogs who already know how to sit. Ask your dog to sit, then hold a treat above their head. As you raise your hand, say “Beg.” Most dogs will naturally lift their front paws. Reward them when they perform the action correctly.
Shake and High Five
“Shake” is a classic. Have your dog sit, say “Shake,” and gently take their paw. Reward them. After a few repetitions, offer your hand and say “Shake.” With consistency, they’ll learn to offer their paw. “High Five” builds on this. Start with the “Shake” command, gradually raising your hand higher. Then, flip your hand over and give the “High Five” command. Your dog will likely lift their paw out of habit.
Action-Oriented Tricks
Wave/Salute
Building on “Shake” and “High Five,” ask your dog to give their paw. As they lift it, move your hand away and say “Wave.” Reward them. After a few tries, switch the command to “Wave” without initially offering your hand. Your dog will likely wave on command.
Fetch
For this trick, engage your dog with their favorite toy. Toss it a short distance. Instead of chasing them if they run off with it, call them back. If they drop it, retrieve it and repeat the toss. Reward them when they bring the toy back to you. This teaches them to return the item.
Put Away Toys
This is a practical trick for any pet owner. Show your dog their toy, then guide them to their toy box, saying “Put it away.” Offer a treat as they drop the toy into the box. If they don’t place it in the box, repeat the process without a reward. This encourages tidiness.
Dance
If your dog knows how to “Up” or place their paws on you, “Dance” can be fun. Command them to “Up” and hold the position. Reward them briefly. Then, say “Dance” and gently guide them as you move a few steps. Reward them for staying with you.
Army Crawl
Have your dog lie down. Show them a treat, letting them smell it, but don’t give it yet. Drag the treat slowly across the floor, using the command “Crawl.” Reward them for crawling a short distance. If they stand up, restart the process.
Kiss
This trick involves teaching your dog to gently touch their nose to your face on command. Place a treat near your face and say “Kiss.” When their nose touches your face, give them the treat. Consistency is key for this affectionate trick.
Play Piano
Get your dog to sit on a bench near a piano. Use the “Shake” command over the keys. When they hit a key, reward them. Transition to the command “Piano” and eventually have them hit keys on cue without your direct guidance.
Walk Backwards
Have your dog stand or stay. Hold a treat over their head and say “Back.” Encourage them with your leg or body if needed, praising and rewarding each step backward.
Fetch a Drink from the Fridge
This advanced trick requires a dog that won’t raid the fridge. Attach a rope to the fridge handle and encourage your dog to pull it open. Reward them. Then, train them to close the door and retrieve a specific item, like a toy, and bring it to you.
Prayer Time
Start with your dog sitting, then have them jump up and place their front paws on your forearm, holding the position. Gradually increase the hold time. Then, coax them into a position with their head between their paws and give the “Pray” command.
Sing Along
If your dog is vocal, this can be easy. Play music and howl along, using a command like “Sing.” Reward your dog when they howl with you. This may require patience, especially for less vocal dogs.
Slalom
Using training poles, guide your dog through a slalom course with a treat. Reward them at the end. Gradually reduce your guidance until they can follow the verbal command. This enhances agility and coordination.
Take a Bow
With your dog standing, hold a treat at their nose and slowly lower it, using the command “Bow.” Keep the treat close to their body to encourage their hindquarters to stay up. Reward them once their chest touches the ground.
Spin
Use a treat to lure your dog into a circular motion while saying “Spin.” Reward them after a full spin. Repeat until they can spin on command. Be mindful of their speed to prevent dizziness.
Play Dead
This trick is easier if your dog knows “Down” or “Roll Over.” Have them lie down. Use a command like “Bang” and coax them with a treat to roll onto their side. Reward them for holding the position.
Conclusion
Teaching your German Shepherd tricks is a rewarding journey that deepens your connection and provides essential mental exercise. Remember to keep training sessions positive, short, and fun. Always prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being, and celebrate every small success. With patience and consistency, your German Shepherd can master these impressive skills, bringing joy and enrichment to both your lives.
