Teaching your dog tricks is not just entertaining — it’s a fantastic way to keep their mind sharp, provide physical exercise, and strengthen the bond between you. Tricks like shake, roll over, spin, and take a bow are more than just cute party tricks; they’re great for mental stimulation and can reinforce everyday commands that help with your dog’s overall obedience. Plus, showing off your clever canine never gets old!
You don’t need to be a professional trainer or have years of experience to teach your dog a variety of fun and impressive tricks. Even first-time dog owners can jump in and start training their puppy or adult dog with patience and treats. Here’s a list of 21 enjoyable and popular dog tricks to try out — guaranteed to delight your furry friend and impress your friends and family.
1. Give a Kiss
Teaching your dog to “kiss” is one of the easiest tricks and it’s irresistibly sweet. Simply place a treat on your cheek and use a command like “kiss.” Soon, your dog will be smothering you with affection on cue. This trick is especially popular with kids and can even help control unwanted licking by teaching your dog when to give kisses.
2. Speak
Getting your dog to bark on command is not only fun, but it’s also practical. The “speak” and “quiet” commands help manage excessive barking by giving your dog clear signals about when it’s appropriate to vocalize. Plus, it’s always amusing to have a little canine conversation during family gatherings.
3. Back Up
The “back up” trick is useful in everyday life — whether you want your dog to step away from the door, give you space at the fridge, or just show off a neat party trick. Teaching your dog to move backward on command requires patience and treats, but once mastered, it’s a versatile and impressive skill.
4. Shake Paws
Having your dog shake paws to greet friends is a classic and simple trick. Most dogs naturally enjoy using their paws, and shaking hands brings them positive attention. It’s quick to teach and always a crowd-pleaser.
5. Wave
Building on the “shake paws” trick, you can teach your dog to wave hello or goodbye. It involves lifting the paw and holding it in the air. This trick is charming and fun, making your dog the star of any social situation.
6. Spin
Use a treat to lure your dog’s nose in a circle and encourage them to spin around. For an added challenge, teach your dog to spin left or right on command. It’s a playful and eye-catching trick that’s sure to wow friends.
7. Sit Pretty
This trick has your dog sitting up on their hind legs with front paws raised, similar to begging. It’s adorable and makes for great photos. If your dog can also walk on their hind legs, that’s a showstopper!
8. Roll Over
Rolling over is a bit trickier but very rewarding to teach. Break the trick down into small steps and be patient. Besides being fun, this trick is foundational for other tricks like playing dead.
9. Play Dead
One of the most dramatic tricks, “play dead” has your dog fall to the floor on command, usually with a playful “bang” gesture from you. If your dog already knows how to roll over, this will be easier to teach.
10. Take a Bow
This adorable trick mimics a dog’s natural “play bow,” where they lower their chest to the ground while keeping their rear up. It’s a friendly, playful gesture that’s easy to teach and a perfect way to end a trick demonstration.
11. Sit
Sitting on command is one of the first and most important tricks to teach. It’s a building block for many other commands and helps establish control and communication between you and your dog.
12. Down
Teaching your dog to lie down on command is another fundamental skill. It’s great for calming your dog and a prerequisite for more advanced tricks like rolling over.
13. Come
The “come” command is vital for your dog’s safety and your peace of mind. Teaching your dog to come when called can prevent accidents and is always heartwarming to see in action.
14. High Five
Similar to “shake,” the high five involves your dog raising their paw and touching it to your hand in a more elevated position. It’s a fun, interactive trick that’s sure to get laughs and admiration.
15. Place
This command teaches your dog to go to a specific spot like their bed or crate. It’s a calming cue that helps manage your dog’s behavior and can provide them with a safe, relaxing space.
16. Wait
“Wait” tells your dog to pause and hold still, which is useful for stopping unwanted jumping, running through doors, or chasing distractions. It’s an impressive demonstration of your dog’s discipline.
17. Stand
Teaching your dog to stand on command is simple, and you can make it more challenging by teaching them to stand on their hind legs. This trick takes some patience but is very eye-catching once mastered.
18. Jump
Jumping is great for agility and fun. You can train your dog to jump over hurdles or even jump into your arms. Start slow to build confidence and ensure safety.
19. Eye Contact
Training your dog to maintain eye contact on command helps improve focus and obedience. Commands like “watch me” keep your dog attentive and can be very useful in training and everyday situations.
20. Fetch
Fetch is a classic game that requires training to teach your dog to retrieve objects and bring them back. It’s excellent exercise and mentally stimulating.
21. Hug
Teaching your dog to hug is heartwarming. Begin with basic commands that encourage your dog to rest their paws on your arms or hands. With practice, your pup will learn to give warm, affectionate embraces.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your dog tricks is an enjoyable and rewarding activity that goes beyond just entertainment. It helps build trust, improve communication, and keeps your dog physically and mentally engaged. Whether it’s a simple “sit” or an impressive “play dead,” these 21 tricks are accessible to every dog owner willing to invest a little time and treats. So start training today and watch your furry friend impress everyone with their new skills!
