18 Fun and Unusual Tricks to Teach Your Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers, known for their intelligence, friendly nature, and loyalty, are consistently ranked among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. To keep these smart dogs happy and engaged, it’s essential to put their intelligence to good use by teaching them new tricks. While basic commands like “sit” and “stay” are fundamental, this article explores 18 advanced and entertaining tricks that can make your Golden Retriever the star of the neighborhood.

Getting Started with Trick Training

Before diving into advanced tricks, it’s crucial to establish a solid foundation with basic commands. If you’re new to dog training, consider enrolling in an obedience or puppy training class. These classes provide a structured environment for both you and your dog to learn and build confidence. Many advanced tricks build upon fundamental behaviors, particularly “sit,” “shake a paw,” and “fetch.”

When training, positive reinforcement is key. Using clickers can be an effective method for marking desired behaviors. Be prepared to use plenty of treats, offering small rewards for each step of a trick and a larger reward for successful completion. This consistent reinforcement helps your dog understand and repeat the desired actions.

Here are 18 fun and unusual Tricks To Teach Your Golden Retriever:

Advanced Tricks for Your Retriever

High Five

This trick is a natural progression from “shake a paw” and is always a hit with children.

1. Have your dog sit.
2. Hold a treat in the air where your dog can see it.
3. Say “high five” and gently tap the paw you want your dog to use.
4. When your dog lifts its paw to bat at the treat, praise and reward them.
5. With repetition, your dog should start lifting its paw on command.

Salute

A fun way to show respect, this trick also builds on the “give a paw” command.

1. Have your dog sit and ask for a paw.
2. Gently move the paw towards the dog’s nose, give the command “salute,” and offer a treat and praise.
3. Alternatively, you can use a sticky note or small piece of tape on the dog’s nose and reward them when they try to remove it with their paw.

Army Crawl

Teach your Golden Retriever to “crawl” like a commando, which is also excellent exercise.

1. Have your dog lie down.
2. Hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move backward, keeping the treat on the floor.
3. As your dog inches forward, say “crawl.” Reward them after they move a foot or two.
4. Gradually increase the distance with each repetition.

Skateboard

This advanced trick requires patience and a confident dog.

1. Introduce your dog to a skateboard with the wheels blocked to prevent movement.
2. Encourage your dog to place paws on the board, rewarding any interaction.
3. Gradually work up to having your dog stand on all fours on the board.
4. Once comfortable, try moving the board slightly, always rewarding progress.
5. The ultimate goal is for your dog to be comfortable riding the skateboard. Ensure the board has a non-slip surface for safety.

Play Piano

This noisy but entertaining trick involves teaching your dog to interact with piano keys.

1. Encourage your dog to approach the piano and reward them.
2. Use treats placed on the keys or guide their paws to the keyboard.
3. Reward each key press, gradually limiting treats as the dog becomes more proficient.

Play Soccer

A great trick for the park, teaching your dog to nudge a ball with its nose.

1. Let your dog become familiar with a ball large enough not to be swallowed.
2. Reward any nudging or contact with the ball.
3. Continue rewarding each movement of the ball, rewarding quickly after each action.

Say Your Prayers

This trick involves teaching your dog to bow its head while in a seated position.

1. First, ensure your dog has mastered “sit” and “give a paw.”
2. Ask your dog to sit, then kneel and ask for a paw, placing it over your forearm.
3. Repeat with the other paw.
4. To teach the head bow, hold a treat in front of their face and lower it below your arm. Reward when they follow the treat with their head down, using a command like “pray.”

Clean Up Your Toys

This practical trick teaches your dog to put their toys away in a designated container.

1. Choose a container for the toys.
2. Ask your dog to retrieve a specific toy and bring it to you over the container.
3. Use the command “drop it” and reward them if the toy falls into the container.
4. Repeat for each toy, gradually introducing the command “clean up.”

Sneeze

While not practical, this trick can be amusing if your dog sneezes on command.

1. Be ready with treats and praise whenever your dog naturally sneezes.
2. Introduce a command word like “sneeze.”
3. You can also try tickling your dog’s nose with a tissue or feather duster to encourage a sneeze.

Bounce a Ball

Teach your Golden Retriever to interact with a ball by bouncing it off their nose.

1. Encourage your dog to show interest in a lightweight ball.
2. Reward any contact with the ball, including letting it rest on their nose.
3. Gently bounce the ball off their nose and reward any head movement that attempts to hit the ball.

Get Me a Drink

This trick combines “take it,” “bring it,” and “drop it” commands for a resourceful retrieval.

1. Start with an empty plastic bottle and have your dog “take it,” then “bring it,” and finally “drop it” over a container.
2. Gradually increase the distance and introduce the command “bring me a drink.”

Limp

A charming trick where your dog appears to limp on command.

1. Identify your dog’s dominant paw.
2. Gently lift the dominant paw off the ground while on a leash and give the command “limp.” Reward your dog for taking a few steps.
3. Gradually reduce your reliance on the leash, encouraging your dog to keep its leg raised independently. This trick is not suitable for older dogs or those with joint issues.

Sing

Encourage your dog to vocalize on command, which can be achieved through various methods.

1. Reward your dog with treats and praise whenever they naturally vocalize.
2. Introduce a command word like “sing.”
3. Try howling yourself or playing different types of music to elicit a response.

Wave Goodbye

A variation of “shake a paw” that teaches your dog to wave.

1. Ask your dog to “shake” or “give a paw.”
2. Raise your hand higher than usual, encouraging your dog to reach for it.
3. Reward successful paw raises, gradually increasing the height.
4. Introduce the command “wave” as the paw extends.

Put the Laundry Away

Similar to “clean up your toys,” this trick teaches your dog to put laundry items into a basket.

1. Use a laundry basket and have your dog retrieve clothing items, bring them to you, and “drop it” into the basket.
2. Introduce the command “put your laundry away.”

Shame, Shame!

This trick involves teaching your dog to lift a paw to its nose, similar to “salute.”

1. Place a sticky note or tape on your dog’s nose and reward them when they lift a paw to remove it.
2. Introduce the command “shame on you.”
3. Eventually, try giving the command without the sticky note.

Pull a Cart

This impressive trick involves training your dog to pull a cart.

1. Use a body harness and get your dog accustomed to wearing it.
2. Attach a light cart or wagon and have your dog pull it.
3. Gradually increase the load and distance. Consider joining a dog-carting club for more guidance.

Treat Flip and Catch

Teach your dog to catch a treat flipped into the air.

1. Have your dog “sit” and “stay.”
2. Place a treat on their nose and give a command like “hold it.”
3. Release the treat with “get it!” and reward your dog for catching it mid-air.

Conclusion

Teaching your Golden Retriever a variety of tricks is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and keeps your dog mentally stimulated. When selecting tricks, consider your dog’s size, temperament, and physical limitations to ensure a positive and safe training journey. With patience and consistency, you can help your Golden Retriever showcase its intelligence and become a well-trained companion.