25 fun tricks to teach your dog
25 fun tricks to teach your dog Teaching your dog tricks is not only fun — it’s one of the best ways to build trust, strengthen your bond, and provide mental stimulation. Whether your furry friend is a puppy or an adult dog, trick training helps improve obedience, confidence, and focus.
In this guide, you’ll discover 25 fun and easy dog tricks that you can teach your pup with a little time, patience, and positive reinforcement.
25 fun tricks to teach your dog
Tips for Successful Training
- Keep sessions short (10–15 minutes).
- Always use positive reinforcement — treats, toys, or praise.
- Stay patient; every dog learns at a different pace.
- End each session on a positive note.
- Sit
“Sit” is the foundation of all dog training. It’s often the first command every dog learns.
How to teach:
- Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
- Slowly move your hand upward, allowing their head to follow the treat.
- As they lower their bottom, say “Sit.”
- Reward them immediately.
Repeat several times daily until your dog responds to the command without the treat.
- Stay
“Stay” helps your dog learn self-control.
How to teach:
- Ask your dog to “Sit.”
- Open your palm in front of them and say “Stay.”
- Take one step back, then return and reward.
- Gradually increase distance and time.
- Come
This recall command can literally save your dog’s life.
How to teach:
- Start indoors. Say “Come!” in a happy voice while kneeling.
- When your dog runs to you, give a treat and lots of praise.
- Repeat in larger spaces like your yard.
- Down
A great trick to calm excited dogs.
How to teach:
- Hold a treat in your hand and move it slowly to the ground.
- As your dog follows, say “Down.”
- When their belly touches the floor, reward immediately.
- Shake Hands / Paw
A fun crowd-pleaser and great for social dogs.
How to teach:
- Ask your dog to “Sit.”
- Gently lift one of their paws while saying “Shake.”
- Give them a treat and praise.
Repeat daily until they offer their paw themselves.
- Roll Over
This trick looks impressive but is easier than you think.
How to teach:
- Ask your dog to lie down.
- Hold a treat by their nose and move it around their head.
- As they roll onto their side, say “Roll over!” and reward them.
- Spin
A fun, active trick that dogs love to perform.
How to teach:
- Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
- Move your hand in a circular motion.
- As your dog follows, say “Spin.”
- Reward and repeat in both directions.
- Speak
Teach your dog to bark on command.
How to teach:
- Wait for your dog to bark naturally, then say “Speak!”
- Reward them immediately.
- Practice until they associate the word with barking.
- Quiet
Once your dog learns “Speak,” teach them to be quiet.
How to teach:
Say “Quiet” in a calm voice.
When your dog stops barking, reward instantly.
Repeat daily for consistency.
- Fetch
Fetch is both fun and a great way to exercise your dog.
How to teach:
- Throw a toy a short distance.
- When your dog picks it up, call them back with “Come.”
- Reward when they bring it back to you.
- Leave It
A crucial safety command for every dog.
How to teach:
- Place a treat in your hand and say “Leave it.”
- When your dog ignores it, reward with a treat from your other hand.
- Gradually increase difficulty using dropped treats or toys.
- Take a Bow
A cute and playful trick that makes your dog look like a performer.
How to teach:
- Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
- Move it down between their front legs while saying “Bow.”
- When they lower their front but keep their back up, reward them.
- Kiss
This one’s adorable and simple.
How to teach:
- Apply a small dab of peanut butter on your cheek.
- Point and say “Kiss.”
- Reward them when they lick your cheek gently.
- High Five
A variation of “Shake,” but cooler!
How to teach:
- Ask your dog to “Sit.”
- Hold a treat in your closed hand near their nose.
- When they lift their paw, open your hand and say “High five!”
- Crawl
Great for advanced learners.
How to teach:
- Ask your dog to “Down.”
- Hold a treat just out of reach and move it forward slowly.
- Encourage them to move forward while staying low.
- Reward when they crawl.
- Spin Left and Right
Once your dog learns “Spin,” teach directions.
How to teach:
- Use “Spin left” and “Spin right” commands with hand motions.
- Reward each correct direction.
- Jump Through a Hoop
A fun trick for active breeds.
How to teach:
- Hold a hoop low to the ground.
- Encourage your dog to step through.
- Gradually raise the hoop and add the command “Jump.”
- Back Up
Helps with body control and obedience.
How to teach:
- Stand facing your dog and take a small step toward them while saying “Back up.”
- Use treats to guide them backward.
- Reward when they move away from you.
- Find It
Turn your dog into a scent detective.
How to teach:
- Show your dog a treat and say “Find it!”
- Hide the treat under a cup or around the room.
- Encourage them to sniff and search.
- Balance a Treat
Improves focus and patience.
How to teach:
- Ask your dog to “Sit” or “Stay.”
- Gently place a treat on their nose and say “Wait.”
- Allow them to catch it when you say “Okay!”
- Wave
A charming version of “Shake.”
How to teach:
- Once your dog knows “Shake,” say “Wave” and move your hand back slightly.
- Reward when they raise their paw without touching you.
- Hug
A heart-melting trick for cuddly dogs.
How to teach:
- Sit beside your dog.
- Hold a treat behind your neck.
- When they place their paws on your shoulders, say “Hug” and reward.
- Jump Over
You can use a small stick, pillow, or even your leg.
How to teach:
- Hold a treat and encourage your dog to jump over the object.
- Say “Jump!” and reward when they succeed.
- Tidy Up (Put Away Toys)
Teach your dog to clean up their own toys!
How to teach:
- Place a basket nearby.
- Say “Clean up” and guide your dog to drop toys inside.
- Reward every successful drop.
- Play Dead (“Bang!”)
A showstopper trick that looks impressive.
How to teach:
- Ask your dog to lie down.
- Hold a treat and move it to the side so they roll onto their side.
- Say “Bang!” and pretend to shoot.
- Reward when they stay still.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog new tricks is one of the most rewarding experiences you can share. It keeps your dog mentally sharp, physically active, and emotionally connected to you.
Start with the basics, celebrate small wins, and watch your furry friend become a superstar of obedience and fun tricks!
