15 Tricks to Teach Your Dog

You’re probably here because you’ve seen those videos of dogs doing amazing tricks and thought, “Can my dog do that?” Or maybe you’ve just adopted a new pup and want to bond with them while teaching some basic commands. Trust me, I’ve been there.

The idea of teaching “101 tricks” might seem overwhelming, but here’s the thing: we’re not talking about literally teaching 101 different tricks. Instead, we’re teaching the essential, beginner-level stuff that will get you and your dog started on the right foot.

When I first started training my dog, I remember feeling a bit lost. I didn’t know if I had the patience, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if my dog would even be interested in learning tricks. But, what I quickly realized was that teaching tricks wasn’t just about the cool factor – it became a fun way to connect with my dog and keep him engaged.

So, if you’re feeling like I did, know that you’re in the right place, and by the end of this, you’ll have some solid tricks up your sleeve that your dog will love to show off.

Read Also: How to Train Your Dog for Agility

Real-Life Examples of Dogs Doing Tricks

I’ve seen some amazing dogs doing tricks that go way beyond the basics. For example, a friend’s dog can open doors and even turn off the lights! My dog hasn’t quite mastered those skills yet, but he’s pretty good at fetching my slippers and shaking hands with everyone who comes over. The point is, dogs can learn a lot more than you might think.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of teaching your dog tricks, let’s talk about why it’s worth the effort. For me, it wasn’t just about having a well-trained dog – it was about creating a bond and giving my dog a mental workout.

Teaching tricks is a fantastic way to keep your dog’s mind sharp, provide physical exercise, and improve their behavior overall. Plus, there’s nothing like the sense of accomplishment when your dog finally nails that trick you’ve been working on together.

Trust me, having a strong foundation makes everything easier down the road. Here are the basic tricks that every dog should know:

• Sit

This was the first trick I taught my dog, and it’s usually the easiest to start with. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly move your hand up. As they follow the treat with their nose, their bottom naturally lowers to the ground. The moment their butt hits the floor, give them the treat. Simple, but so effective!

• Stay

Once your dog has mastered “sit,” you can move on to “stay.” I remember the first time I tried this with my dog – he kept getting up and following me! But with patience, I got him to understand. Have your dog sit, then hold your hand out like a stop sign and say “stay.” Take a step back, and if they don’t move, reward them. Gradually increase the distance over time.

• Come

This one is a lifesaver, especially when your dog gets a little too excited at the park. Start with your dog on a leash, say “come,” and gently pull them toward you. When they reach you, give them lots of praise and a treat. Over time, your dog will come running when they hear the command, just like mine does now.

• Down

This is a bit trickier, but it’s a great way to keep your dog calm. Start with your dog in the “sit” position. Hold a treat in your hand, move it towards the ground, and say “down.” Your dog will likely follow the treat with their nose, lowering themselves to the ground. When they do, reward them with a treat.

• Leave It

I can’t tell you how many times this command has saved my dog from eating something he shouldn’t. Place a treat in your hand and say “leave it.” When your dog tries to get the treat, close your hand and wait until they back off. Once they do, reward them with a different treat from your other hand. This trick is all about teaching impulse control.

Fun and Funny Dog Tricks

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to have some fun! Here are some funny dog tricks that always get a good laugh:

• Shake Hands

This was the first “fun” trick I taught my dog, and it’s always a hit. Have your dog sit, then gently pick up their paw and say “shake.” It might take a few tries, but soon enough, your dog will be offering their paw to everyone they meet.

• Play Dead

If you want to impress your friends, this is the trick. Start with your dog in the “down” position, hold a treat near their nose, and move it to the side while saying “bang” or “play dead.” When your dog rolls onto their side, reward them with the treat. It took my dog a bit to get the hang of it, but now he’s a pro at playing dead.

• Spin

This one is just plain fun. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and guide them in a circle while saying “spin.” Once they complete the circle, give them the treat. My dog loves this one—it’s a quick, easy trick that always gets a smile.

• Roll Over

A bit more challenging, but worth the effort. Start with your dog in the “down” position, then gently guide them to roll over with a treat. My dog was a bit confused at first, but once he got it, rolling over became one of his favorite tricks.

• Speak

Some dogs are naturally talkative, making this trick easy to teach. Others, like mine, need a bit more encouragement. Use a command like “speak” or “bark,” and reward your dog the moment they make any sound. Now, my dog loves showing off this trick, especially when there’s a treat involved!

Dog Show Tricks

Feeling confident? These dog show tricks will take your training to the next level:

• Weave Between Legs

This trick is a real crowd-pleaser. Start by having your dog follow a treat through your legs as you step forward. It took a bit of coordination on my part, but once we got the rhythm down, it became one of our favorite tricks to practice.

• Fetch

Fetch is a classic, but you can spice it up by teaching your dog to fetch specific items, like their leash or a favorite toy. My dog loves fetch, and adding this twist made it even more fun for both of us.

• Balancing a Treat on Their Nose

This one takes patience, but it’s so worth it. Start by having your dog sit, then gently place a treat on their nose while saying “stay.” Once they’ve balanced it for a second or two, release them with a command like “okay” to let them eat the treat. My dog had a hard time with this at first – he just wanted to eat the treat right away! But with practice, he got the hang of it.

• Jump Through a Hoop

This trick looks super impressive and is actually pretty easy to teach. Start by holding a hoop close to the ground and coaxing your dog through it with a treat. Gradually raise the hoop as your dog gets more confident. My dog loved this one – it was like a fun game for him.

• Back Up

This is a fun, quirky trick that always gets a laugh. Stand in front of your dog and gently guide them backward with a treat. Use a command like “back up” and reward them when they take a step back. My dog was a little confused at first, but now he loves showing off this trick.

How Many Tricks Can a Dog Learn?

Dogs are smart, and with consistent training, they can learn a surprising number of tricks. On average, a well-trained dog can learn between 20 to 30 tricks. Some exceptional dogs have been known to learn over 100 different behaviors.

My dog started with just a few basic tricks, but now he knows dozens, and we’re always working on something new. The key is consistency and making sure training is always a positive experience.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, teaching your dog tricks isn’t just about impressing your friends (though that’s definitely a perk!). It’s about having fun with your dog, keeping them mentally and physically stimulated, and strengthening your bond. Your dog will thank you with wagging tails and plenty of affection.

So go ahead, give these tricks a try, and watch your dog’s confidence and skills grow. Trust me, there’s nothing like the feeling of seeing your dog master a new trick – it’s a win for both of you!