Quick easy dog tricks

Tricks provide mental stimulation, strengthen the bond between you, and teach your dog to pay attention to your instructions (which can be important for their safety). Here’s a few of the easier ones to get you two started. 

Sit

The “sit” command is one of the easiest and most useful.

1. Hold a treat close to dog’s nose.
2. Move the treat upward, causing the dog’s head to follow and bottom to lower.
3. Once seated, say “sit” and give the treat with praise.

Repeat several times a day, and your dog will soon be sitting as soon as they hear the word.

Shake hands

This trick is a crowd-pleaser. It’s impossible not to look adorable.

1. Ask the dog to sit.
2. Gently lift one paw while saying “shake.”
3. Reward with a treat and praise.

After a few repetitions, the dog will begin offering a paw on command.

High-five

1. Start with a closed fist and a treat inside, holding it out to your dog.
2. As soon as your dog paws at your fist, reward.
3. Once your dog reliably paws at your closed fist, switch to an open hand with the command “high five”. 

Gradually raise your hand to encourage your dog to lift their paw higher.  

Lie Down

Teaching “lie down” helps calm an excited dog and builds impulse control. Many trainers use “drop”, but if you do, you’ll need a different command for when your dog has dug up something gross, and you want them to drop it.  

1. Start with the dog sitting.
2. Hold a treat near the nose, then slowly move it to the floor, between dog’s paws.
3. As the dog follows, say “down” and reward once the body is fully on the ground.

Stay

“Stay” is essential for safety and discipline.

1. Ask the dog to sit or lie down.
2. Open your palm in front of the dog like you’re going to high-five, and say “stay.”
3. Take a step back, then return and reward if the dog remains still.

Gradually increase the distance and duration over time.

Spin

A fun and simple trick that adds flair to training sessions.

1. Hold a treat near the dog’s nose.
2. Move it in a circular motion so the dog follows.
3. Once the spin is complete, say “spin” and reward.

Repeat in both directions for balance.

Roll Over

This trick takes a bit more patience but is very entertaining.

1. Start with the dog lying down.
2. Hold a treat near the nose and move it toward the shoulder.
3. As the dog rolls to follow, say “roll over” and reward after the full turn.

Speak

Teaching a dog to “speak” on command can help manage barking.

1. Wait for the dog to bark naturally.
2. Say “speak” and reward immediately.
3. Repeat until the dog associates the word with the action.

Training Tips

Keep sessions short—5 to 10 minutes is ideal.

Always use positive reinforcement with treats, toys, or praise. The tastiest treats (chicken, cheese, liver, etc) will generally increase enthusiasm (but not necessarily ability to focus on the task.)  

Be patient and consistent; every dog learns at a different pace.

You don’t want your dog to associate training with feeling bad. End each session on a positive note.  It must be fun!