21 Fun and Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog Today

Teaching your dog new tricks is simple, fun, and strengthens your bond! Start with short, positive sessions using treats and praise. Focus on one trick at a time, keeping it enjoyable for both of you. Consistency is key for quick, happy learning.

Do you ever watch videos of dogs performing amazing feats and wonder how they learned those clever tricks? Perhaps you feel a little frustrated that your own furry friend only knows “sit” and “stay.” Good news! Teaching your dog new tricks isn’t just for professional trainers or super-smart pups. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience for any dog owner, and it’s much easier than you might think. This article will walk you through 21 fun and easy tricks, providing clear, simple steps to get you and your canine companion started on your exciting training journey today!

Why Teach Your Dog Tricks? More Than Just Fun!

Beyond the “wow” factor, teaching your dog tricks offers a wealth of benefits that contribute to their overall well-being and strengthen your relationship.

Mental Stimulation: Just like humans, dogs need mental exercise. Learning new tricks challenges their brains, prevents boredom, and can reduce destructive behaviors that stem from a lack of engagement.
Strengthens Your Bond: Training sessions are a fantastic way to spend quality time together. The positive interactions, shared successes, and mutual understanding built during training deepen the connection between you and your dog.
Boosts Confidence: Successfully learning a new trick gives your dog a sense of accomplishment. This confidence can spill over into other areas of their life, making them more resilient and less anxious.
Improves Behavior: Trick training often builds upon basic obedience commands. It teaches your dog to focus on you, respond to cues, and control their impulses, leading to a better-behaved companion overall. For instance, a dog that knows “place” will be less likely to jump on guests.
Physical Exercise: Many tricks involve movement, providing a fun way for your dog to get some physical activity, which is crucial for their health.
Provides an Outlet for Energy: For high-energy breeds, trick training can be an excellent way to burn off excess energy in a constructive manner.

Essential Supplies for Trick Training Success

You don’t need much to get started, but a few key items will make your training sessions smoother and more effective.

High-Value Treats: Small, soft, and extra-tasty treats are your best friend. Think cheese, cooked chicken, or specialized training treats. Make sure they are easy for your dog to swallow quickly.
A Clicker (Optional but Recommended): A clicker is a precise marker that tells your dog exactly when they’ve done something right. It can speed up learning significantly. If you don’t have one, a verbal marker like “Yes!” works too.
A Quiet Training Space: Start in an area with minimal distractions, like your living room or a quiet backyard. As your dog progresses, you can gradually introduce more challenging environments.
Patience and a Positive Attitude: These are your most important tools! Every dog learns at their own pace. Celebrate small successes and never get frustrated.
Short Leash (for some tricks): A leash can help guide your dog initially, especially for tricks involving movement.

Key Principles for Successful Trick Training

Before diving into the tricks, keep these fundamental principles in mind for the best results:

Keep Sessions Short and Fun: Dogs have short attention spans. Aim for 5-10 minute sessions, 2-3 times a day. Always end on a positive note, even if it’s just a simple “sit.”
Positive Reinforcement is Key: Reward desired behaviors immediately with treats, praise, and petting. Avoid punishment, as it can create fear and inhibit learning.
Break It Down: Most tricks can be broken into tiny, achievable steps. Reward each small step towards the final behavior. This is called “shaping.”
Consistency is Crucial: Use the same verbal cues and hand signals every time. Practice regularly to solidify the learning.
Know Your Dog: Understand your dog’s personality, energy levels, and physical capabilities. Don’t force them into tricks that are uncomfortable or difficult for them.
Fade the Lure: Initially, you’ll use a treat to lure your dog into position. Gradually reduce the reliance on the treat, so your dog performs the trick based on your verbal cue and hand signal alone.
Generalize the Trick: Once your dog performs a trick reliably in one location, practice it in different environments and with different distractions to ensure they understand the cue regardless of the setting.

The 21 Fun and Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog Today

1. Sit Pretty (Beg)

This adorable trick has your dog sitting on their hind legs, balancing like a meerkat. It requires good core strength, so introduce it slowly, especially for puppies or older dogs.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog in a “sit” position.
2. Hold a treat just above their nose and slowly move it upwards and slightly back, encouraging them to lift their front paws off the ground.
3. As soon as their paws lift, even slightly, click/mark and reward.
4. Gradually increase the height and duration they hold the “sit pretty” before rewarding.
5. Add the verbal cue “Sit Pretty” as they perform the action.
Tip: Some dogs find it easier to learn this with their back against a wall for support initially.

2. Spin/Twirl

A fun and easy trick where your dog turns in a circle on command.

How to Teach:
1. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
2. Move the treat in a circle, luring your dog to follow it and complete a full 360-degree turn.
3. As they complete the circle, click/mark and reward.
4. Repeat in both directions, adding the verbal cue “Spin” for one direction and “Twirl” for the other.
5. Gradually make your hand motion smaller until it’s just a finger circle.
Tip: Keep the treat close to their nose so they don’t jump up.

3. Weave Through Legs

A dynamic trick where your dog weaves back and forth between your legs as you walk.

How to Teach:
1. Stand with your feet slightly apart. Lure your dog through your legs from front to back with a treat.
2. As they emerge, shift your weight and step forward with the opposite leg, creating a new opening. Lure them through again.
3. Continue this motion, rewarding each successful weave.
4. Once they understand the movement, add a verbal cue like “Weave.”
Tip: Start by just luring them through one leg opening, then build up to continuous weaving.

4. Shake a Paw (or High Five)

A classic and charming trick.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog in a “sit” position.
2. Hold a treat in a closed fist. Present your fist to your dog. They will likely paw at it to try and get the treat.
3. The moment their paw touches your hand, click/mark and reward.
4. Once they consistently paw your hand, open your hand slightly and reward when their paw touches your palm.
5. Add the verbal cue “Shake” or “Paw.” For “High Five,” hold your hand up higher.
Tip: If your dog doesn’t paw, gently lift one of their paws and say “Shake,” then reward.

5. Roll Over

Your dog rolls from one side to the other on command.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog in a “lie down” position.
2. Hold a treat close to their nose and lure it in an arc over their head, encouraging them to roll onto their side.
3. Continue the arc, moving the treat towards their spine, so they roll completely onto their back and then over to the other side.
4. As they complete the roll, click/mark and reward.
5. Add the verbal cue “Roll Over.”
Tip: Some dogs might get stuck on their back. If so, reward for just getting onto their side initially.

6. Crawl

Your dog moves forward while staying in a “down” position.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog in a “lie down” position.
2. Hold a treat low to the ground, just out of their reach, and slowly pull it forward.
3. Encourage them to inch forward while keeping their belly on the ground.
4. Reward even the smallest forward movement initially.
5. Gradually increase the distance you ask them to crawl before rewarding. Add the verbal cue “Crawl.”
Tip: Use a low obstacle (like your arm) to prevent them from standing up.

7. Play Dead (Bang!)

Your dog flops onto their side and stays still when you say “Bang!”

How to Teach:
1. Start with your dog in a “lie down” position.
2. Lure them onto their side (similar to the beginning of “Roll Over”) using a treat.
3. As they are on their side, say “Bang!” and reward.
4. Gradually increase the duration they stay on their side before rewarding.
5. Once consistent, add a hand signal, like pointing your finger like a gun.
Tip: Combine this with “Roll Over” by having them roll onto their side and then stopping them there with the “Bang!” cue.

8. Speak (Bark on Command)

Your dog barks when asked.

How to Teach:
1. Wait for your dog to naturally bark (e.g., at a doorbell, another dog, or a toy).
2. The instant they bark, say “Speak!” and immediately reward them.
3. Repeat this several times.
4. Once they associate the word with barking, try saying “Speak!” first, then encouraging them to bark (e.g., by holding up a toy they want).
5. Reward only for intentional barking on cue.
Tip: Be careful not to reward excessive barking. Only reward when you give the cue.

9. Quiet (Stop Barking)

The perfect counter-trick to “Speak,” teaching your dog to stop barking on command.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog bark (you can use your “Speak” cue if they know it, or wait for natural barking).
2. Once they’ve barked once or twice, present a high-value treat to their nose. They will likely stop barking to sniff the treat.
3. The instant they are quiet, say “Quiet!” and reward them.
4. Practice this repeatedly. Gradually increase the duration of silence before rewarding.
Tip: This trick is crucial for managing nuisance barking. Practice it frequently.

10. Take a Bow

Your dog lowers their front end while keeping their rear end up, like a play bow.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog in a standing position.
2. Hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it down towards their chest and then back between their front paws.
3. This should encourage them to lower their front legs while keeping their hind legs standing.
4. As soon as they assume the “bow” position, click/mark and reward.
5. Add the verbal cue “Bow.”
Tip: Don’t move the treat too far back, or they’ll lie down.

11. Kiss (Touch)

Your dog gently touches your cheek or hand with their nose.

How to Teach:
1. Put a small smear of peanut butter or a sticky treat on your cheek or the back of your hand.
2. Present your cheek/hand to your dog. As they touch it with their nose/tongue, say “Kiss!” and reward.
3. Repeat this, gradually reducing the amount of treat on your face/hand until they touch it on cue without the lure.
4. You can also teach this by luring their nose to your hand/cheek with a treat in your other hand.
Tip: Ensure your dog is gentle. If they try to lick too much, use a very small, quick reward.

12. Fetch (Specific Item)

Beyond just retrieving, teach your dog to fetch a specific named toy.

How to Teach:
1. Start with one distinct toy (e.g., “Ball”). Say “Get the ball!” and immediately throw it.
2. When they bring it back, reward. Repeat many times until they associate the name with that specific toy.
3. Introduce a second distinct toy (e.g., “Rope”). Practice “Get the rope!” similarly.
4. Once they know both, place them a short distance apart. Say “Get the ball!” and reward only if they pick up the correct item.
5. Gradually increase the number of toys and the distance.
Tip: Make sure the toys have very distinct names and appearances initially.

13. Drop It

Your dog releases an item they are holding on command.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog hold a low-value toy or item in their mouth.
2. Present a high-value treat to their nose. Most dogs will drop the item to take the treat.
3. The instant they drop the item, say “Drop It!” and give them the treat.
4. Pick up the item and repeat.
5. Practice with various items, always ensuring the reward is more appealing than what they’re holding.
Tip: This is a crucial safety command, useful for preventing them from eating dangerous items.

14. Go to Your Place/Bed

Your dog goes to a designated spot (bed, mat) and stays there until released.

How to Teach:
1. Place a mat or dog bed on the floor.
2. Lure your dog onto the mat with a treat. As soon as all four paws are on the mat, say “Place!” and reward generously.
3. Practice this many times, rewarding for staying on the mat.
4. Gradually increase the duration they stay on the mat before rewarding.
5. Add distance by walking away and then returning to reward, eventually releasing them with a cue like “Okay!”
Tip: This trick is excellent for managing excitement when guests arrive or during meal times.

15. Ring a Bell (for Potty/Door)

Your dog rings a bell to signal they need to go outside.

How to Teach:
1. Hang a bell on the doorknob where your dog exits for potty breaks.
2. Before opening the door, touch your dog’s nose to the bell (or have them paw it), say “Ring Bell!” and immediately open the door and go outside.
3. Repeat every time you go out. Your dog will quickly associate ringing the bell with going outside.
4. Eventually, they will ring the bell themselves to signal their need.
Tip: Consistency is key here. Every time they go out, the bell must be involved.

16. Get a Tissue (or other small item)

Your dog retrieves a specific, small household item.

How to Teach:
1. This builds on “Fetch” and “Drop It.” Start with an easy-to-grab item like a tissue.
2. Place the tissue a short distance away. Point to it and say “Get the tissue!”
3. When your dog picks it up, encourage them to bring it to you and “Drop It!”
4. Reward heavily for success.
5. Gradually increase the distance and eventually the complexity of the environment.
Tip: Start with an item that’s safe for your dog to put in their mouth and won’t be easily destroyed.

17. Back Up

Your dog walks backward on command.

How to Teach:
1. Stand facing your dog in a narrow hallway or between two pieces of furniture to limit their options.
2. Step towards your dog slowly and steadily, using your body pressure to encourage them to back up.
3. As they take a step backward, say “Back Up!” and reward.
4. Gradually increase the number of steps you ask for before rewarding.
5. You can also use a treat lure by holding it low and moving it towards their chest, then slowly backing away yourself.
Tip: This is great for teaching polite greetings at the door or moving out of the way.

18. Paws Up (on an object)

Your dog places their front paws on a designated object.

How to Teach:
1. Place a low, stable object (e.g., a sturdy box, a stool) in front of your dog.
2. Lure your dog with a treat to place their front paws on the object.
3. As soon as their paws are on the object, say “Paws Up!” and reward.
4. Gradually increase the duration they keep their paws on the object before rewarding.
5. You can also teach them to put their paws on your arm or leg.
Tip: Ensure the object is stable and safe for your dog’s size and weight.

19. Head Down (Rest Head on Paws)

Your dog lowers their head to rest on their paws while in a “down” position.

How to Teach:
1. Have your dog in a “lie down” position.
2. Hold a treat between their front paws or just below their nose.
3. Slowly lower the treat to the ground, encouraging them to lower their head.
4. As their head touches the ground (or their paws), say “Head Down!” and reward.
5. Gradually increase the duration they keep their head down before rewarding.
Tip: This is a wonderful calming trick, perfect for quiet times or public places.

20. Figure Eight

Your dog walks in a figure-eight pattern around your legs.

How to Teach:
1. This is an extension of “Weave.” Start with your feet apart.
2. Lure your dog through your legs from front to back (e.g., right leg).
3. As they emerge, lure them around your left leg from the outside, bringing them back to the front between your legs.
4. Then lure them around your right leg from the outside, completing the figure eight.
5. Reward each successful loop. Add the verbal cue “Figure Eight.”
Tip: Use a clear, sweeping hand motion with the treat to guide them.

21. Clean Up (Put Toys in a Box)

Your dog puts their toys away in a designated bin.

How to Teach:
1. Start with one toy your dog knows how to “Fetch” and “Drop It.”
2. Place an empty toy box on the floor.
3. Have your dog pick up the toy. Then, hold a treat over the toy box and say “Drop It!” as they are over the box.
4. Reward when the toy falls into the box.
5. Repeat with one toy until they reliably drop it into the box.
6. Gradually increase the number of toys and the distance they need to carry them to the box.
7. Add the cue “Clean Up!”
Tip: Make sure the box is easy for your dog to access and drop toys into.

Troubleshooting Common Training Challenges

Even with the easiest tricks, you might encounter a few bumps in the road. Here’s how to navigate them:

Challenge	Description	Solution
Distractions	Your dog loses focus easily or is more interested in their surroundings than you.	Start training in a very quiet, familiar environment. Gradually introduce mild distractions as your dog masters the trick. Use higher-value treats to capture their attention.
Lack of Motivation	Your dog isn’t interested in the treats or toys you’re offering.	Experiment with different types of high-value treats (e.g., cooked chicken, cheese, hot dogs). Try using a favorite toy as a reward. Ensure your dog isn’t full before training.
Slow Progress	Your dog isn’t picking up the trick as quickly as you hoped.	Break the trick down into even smaller, simpler steps. Practice more frequently but for shorter durations. Re-evaluate your technique – are your cues clear? Is your timing precise?
Frustration (Yours or Theirs)	Either you or your dog gets stressed or gives up during a session.	Take a break! End the session on an easy, successful trick to keep it positive. Never punish your dog for not understanding. Keep training fun and low-pressure.
Physical Limitations	Your dog struggles with certain movements or seems uncomfortable.	Don’t force it. Some tricks might not be suitable for all dogs due to age, breed, or health issues (e.g., “Sit Pretty” for dogs with back problems). Consult your vet if you have concerns. Choose tricks appropriate for your dog’s abilities.

Trick Difficulty & Benefits Overview (A Sample)

Here’s a quick look at a few tricks and what they offer:

Trick Name	Difficulty (1-5, 1=Easiest)	Primary Benefit(s)
Shake a Paw	1	Socialization, confidence, polite greeting
Spin/Twirl	1	Mental stimulation, coordination, fun party trick
Go to Your Place	2	Impulse control, calming, useful for visitors/mealtime
Roll Over	2	Body awareness, impressive party trick
Play Dead	3	Advanced obedience, focus, fun for showing off
Clean Up	4	Problem-solving, practical help around the house

Safety First in Dog Training

While trick training is generally safe and beneficial, always prioritize your dog’s well-being:

Age and Breed Appropriate: Be mindful of your dog’s age, breed, and physical condition. Puppies’ joints are still developing, so avoid high-impact or repetitive jumping tricks. Older dogs might have arthritis. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may struggle with tricks requiring prolonged exertion.
Listen to Your Dog: If your dog shows signs of discomfort, pain, or disinterest, stop the session. Never force them into a position.
Consult Your Vet: If you have any concerns about your dog’s physical ability to perform certain tricks, especially those involving unique movements or sustained postures, consult your veterinarian.
Environment: Ensure your training space is safe, free of hazards, and has good traction to prevent slips and falls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it typically take to teach a dog a new trick?

A: The time it takes varies greatly depending on the trick’s complexity, your dog’s individual learning speed, your consistency, and the quality of your training. Simple tricks might be learned in a few short sessions over a day or two, while more complex ones could take weeks of consistent practice. Focus on progress, not perfection.

Q: What if my dog isn’t food motivated?

A: Not all dogs are driven by food! Try using high-value toys, a game of tug, or enthusiastic verbal praise and petting as rewards. Observe what truly excites your dog and use that as your motivator. Some dogs also prefer training in a specific environment, like outdoors.

Q: Can old dogs learn new tricks?

A: Absolutely! The saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a myth. Older dogs might learn at a slower pace or have physical limitations, but their brains are still capable of learning. In fact, mental stimulation is excellent for senior dogs to keep their minds sharp. Just be mindful of their physical comfort and keep sessions short.

Q: How often should I train my dog?

A: Short, frequent sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Aim for 2-3 sessions per day, each lasting 5-10 minutes. This keeps your dog engaged and prevents them from getting bored or overwhelmed.

Q: What should I do if my dog gets frustrated during training?

A: If your dog shows signs of frustration (e.g., disengaging, whining, pacing), it’s a clear signal to take a break. End the session by asking for a trick your dog already knows and performs well, rewarding them enthusiastically. This ensures you both finish on a positive note. Re-evaluate if the trick is too hard or if you need to break it down further.

Q: When should I use a clicker, and when should I just use treats and praise?

A: A clicker acts as a precise marker, telling your dog the exact moment they performed the desired behavior. It can speed up learning, especially for shaping complex behaviors. If you don’t have a clicker, a consistent verbal marker like “Yes!” or “Good!” works well too. Both should always be followed immediately by a high-value reward (treats, toys, praise).

Q: Are there any tricks my dog shouldn’t do?

A: Yes. Avoid tricks that put undue strain on your dog’s joints, back, or neck, especially if they are a puppy, a senior dog, or have pre-existing health conditions. For example, excessive jumping or prolonged “Sit Pretty” might not be suitable for all dogs. Always consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about a trick’s safety for your specific dog.

Teaching your dog new tricks is a journey filled with laughter, learning, and stronger bonds. Start simple, be patient, and celebrate every small victory. You’ll be amazed at what your dog can learn and how much joy you both will get from the process!