It’s a magical moment when your dog nails a new trick. The tail wags, the face looks proud, and the bond strengthens. These 10 beginner-friendly tricks can help make a lot of those magical moments. If you’re ready to have some fun together, let’s dive in!
10. Spin
Spin is a basic fun trick to teach your pup. With this trick, you ask your dog to do a twirl, helping them improve their coordination. To teach spin, hold a treat at your dog’s eye level, and then move it in a circle. As they follow the treat, they’ll naturally spin. Once they complete the trick, say “spin,” and reward them with the treat and lots of praise.
9. Down
Now, here’s a trick that can create calm behavior and build obedience. The down trick can also be evolved into more advanced tricks like roll over. To teach “down,” your dog must be in a sitting position. Hold a treat close to their nose and lower it to the ground, between their front paws. They should naturally go into a lying position (elbows touching ground). This is your cue to say “down” and give the treat.
8. Touch
This is an adorable trick that teaches your pup to touch your hand with their nose. It sounds like a useless trick at first, but it can actually help you in redirecting your pup’s focus. To teach this trick, hold out your hand (palm facing your dog). When your pup touches their nose to your palm, say “touch” and give a treat and praises. Gradually, you can increase the distance between your hand and your dog.
7. Paws Up
This trick teaches your dog to place their paws on a surface. It can be great for vet visits, grooming, or just showing off. You can start with a non-slip surface like a bench. Lure your dog with a treat to place their paws up. And you know the drill: say the command, reward, and praise. Once they’ve learned the trick, you can try practicing on different safe surfaces.
6. Sit Pretty
This one is an evolved version of sit, and great for balance, core strength, and a photo op! Start with the sit position and move the treat slowly over your dog’s head. This should encourage your dog to lift their front paws. Once they do, say “sit pretty,” reward, and praise.
5. Come
Come is actually an important command that can keep your dog safe or encourage them to explore. Start in an enclosed space, crouch down, open your arms, and call “come.” Say the command with excitement and never associate it with a negative experience. Reward with treats and praises when they respond.
4. Leave It
Leave it is another lifesaving trick that teaches your dog to ignore dangerous or tempting items. To teach this command, start with holding a treat in your closed fist, then let your pup investigate. When they stop and look at you, say the command and reward a different treat from your other hand. Make sure to practice regularly to strengthen your dog’s self-control.
3. Fetch
Fetch is a classic trick that boosts exercise and the mental focus of your dog. Use a toy that they like (you can name it) and toss it at a short distance. When your pup picks it up, call them back, and give a reward. You can also guide them with a long leash if they don’t return right away. Once your dog gets the hang of it, you can gradually increase the distance.
2. High-Five
For a crowd-pleasing trick, you can’t go wrong with high-five. This command, when taught with positive reinforcement, can also build your dog’s confidence and connection. Just hold a treat in your first and let your dog paw at it. Switch to an open hand, palm up. When their paw touches your palm, say the command and give the reward.
1. Take a Bow
Once your dog has learned a few tricks, it makes sense to teach them how to take a bow. This charming trick indeed makes a great finale, and it’s quite easy to learn, too. Start with taking your dog in a standing position, and lure their head down between their paws with a treat. Your dog should lower their chest while their rear stays up. When they’re in position, say the command, give a treat, and praise. Now, take a bow, too!