Teaching your German Shepherd tricks is a fantastic way to strengthen your bond and provide mental stimulation. This guide offers a variety of fun and engaging tricks, from basic commands to more unusual feats, to keep your intelligent canine companion entertained and well-trained. Discover more training tips for your German Shepherd.
Basic Commands
Speak
Encourage your dog to bark by getting them excited, perhaps by showing them a treat. When they bark, say “speak.” Reward them with the treat immediately. Consistent practice will help your dog associate the command with the action.
Hush/Quiet
Once your dog knows the “speak” command, you can teach them to be quiet. Have them bark a few times, then give the “quiet” command. Reward them as soon as they stop barking. This is particularly useful for managing excessive barking.
Beg
For dogs that already know how to sit, the “beg” command is straightforward. Have your dog sit, then hold a treat above their head. As you raise your hand, say “beg.” Most dogs will lift their front paws. Reward them when they perform the action correctly.
Shake
To teach “shake,” have your dog sit. Say “shake” and gently take their paw, shaking it briefly. Give them a treat. After a few repetitions, offer your hand and use the command. They will likely offer their paw to get the treat, reinforcing the command.
High Five
This trick builds on “shake.” Ask your dog to sit and give the “shake” command. Gradually raise your hand higher with each repetition until it’s at their head level. Then, flip your hand over and use the command “high five.” Your dog will lift its paw out of habit.
Engaging Tricks
Wave/Salute
Following the “shake” and “high five,” teach “wave.” Have your dog sit and give either command. As they offer their paw, move your hand away and give a treat. After a few times, switch the command to “wave.” Eventually, your dog will wave without your hand being present.
Fetch
If your dog enjoys playing, teach them to fetch. Get their favorite toy and toss it a short distance. Instead of chasing them if they run off with it, call them back to you. Reward them when they return with the toy. Practice until they consistently bring the toy back.
Put Away
This practical trick involves teaching your dog to put their toys in a designated box. Show your dog their toy box and say “put it away” while giving them a toy. If they drop it in the box, reward them. If not, repeat the process until they understand.
Dance
For a dog who knows how to “up” (lifting front paws), teaching “dance” is fun. Have them hold the “up” position and give a treat. Then, say “dance” and gently guide them a few steps. Reward them for staying in position while moving.
Army Crawl
Start with your dog in a down position. Entice them to crawl by dragging a treat along the floor while giving the command “crawl.” Reward them for crawling even a short distance. Gradually increase the distance they need to crawl for the reward. Be mindful of the surface to avoid irritation.
Kiss
This trick involves teaching your dog to touch their nose to your face. Hold a treat near your face and say “kiss.” When your dog’s nose touches your face, immediately give them the treat. This teaches them to perform a gentle nose-to-nose touch.
Play Piano
Have your dog sit on a bench near a piano or keyboard. Give the “shake” command over the keys. As their paw hits a key, provide a treat. Transition the command to “piano” and eventually have them play a key or multiple keys on command.
Walk Backwards
Have your dog stay in a standing position. Hold a treat over their head and say “back.” Reward them for each step they take backward. You can gently guide them with your leg or body 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. Gradually teach them to close the fridge and retrieve a specific item, like a toy or (with careful supervision) a drink.
Prayer Time
Begin with your dog in a sit position. Have them jump onto your forearm, holding the position. Gradually increase the duration for a treat. Then, coax them into a position where their head is between their front paws, using the command “pray.”
Sing Along
If your dog is vocal, encourage them to “sing” along with music. Howl or sing along to a song yourself, and associate a command like “sing” with it. Reward your dog when they vocalize with you.
Slalom
Use dog training slalom poles or a similar setup. Guide your dog through the poles with a treat, rewarding them at the end. Repeat until they can navigate the course with just a verbal command.
Take a Bow
With your dog standing, hold a treat at their nose and slowly move it downwards, using the command “bow.” Keep the treat close to their body to encourage their hindquarters to stay up. Reward them when their chest touches the ground and they return to a standing position.
Spin
Use a treat to lure your dog into a spin. Say “spin” and move your hand in a circular motion. Reward them for completing a full spin. Practice until they can spin on command.
Always prioritize your dog’s health and safety when teaching new tricks. Enjoy the process and the rewarding experience of training your German Shepherd!
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