Sometimes all we focus on is having a dog being well-behaved. But we forget about the bond we’re building with them in the meantime. So, instead of just only going for basic obedience, fun tricks can help building your relationship. Teaching your dog fun tricks is more than just a way to impress your friends! Not only for a stronger bond, but also for providing mental stimulation and building more confidence. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, any dog can learn new tricks, regardless of age or breed. Here are some entertaining tricks to teach your dog and a detailed guide to mastering them.
High Five
High five is a fun way to show your bond with the world, but also gives your dog the opportunity to learn something new. With this fun trick your dog raises their paw to give you a high five.
How to teach it
1. Start with the “Shake” command, where your dog offers their paw to your hand.
2. Once they’ve mastered “Shake,” hold your hand palm-up but slightly higher than usual.
3. Encourage them to tap your hand with their paw and say “High five” as they do.
4. Reward and praise immediately.
This is one of the simple fun tricks to teach your dog. It’s fun, but it’s also a good trick to start with as a beginner.
Sit Pretty (or Beg)
This is one of the fun tricks that you can teach your dog, that you see a lot. Your dog sits upright on their hind legs, with their front paws raised. Sit Pretty also resembles a begging position, that’s why you can teach it with both commands. Or give it a completely other word if that works better.
How to teach it
1. Start with your dog in a sitting position.
2. Hold a treat slightly above their nose and move it upward slowly. This motion encourages them to lift their front paws off the ground.
3. As soon as they raise their paws, even slightly, reward them with the treat and praise.
4. Gradually increase the time they hold the position before rewarding.
5. Add the verbal cue “Sit pretty” or “Beg” once they consistently perform the motion.
This fun trick has a few benefits. Not only does it look cute, it also improves your dog’s core strength and balance. You will see the muscles building up when you’re training this trick for a longer time.
Spin in a circle
This is one of the fun tricks to teach your dog that will also put some extra fun in obedience training. With spin in a circle your dog spins a full circle on command. There are a few words you can use like ‘spin’ and ‘twist’. It all depends on what words you already taught your dog before this.
How to teach it
1. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly guide them in a circular motion.
2. As they follow the treat, say the command “Spin.”
3. Once they complete the circle, reward them with the treat and praise.
4. Practice in one direction before teaching the opposite direction using a separate cue like “Turn.”
This trick is great for dogs with lots of energy and can be a fun warm-up before a walk. And of course, also for your obedience training in general. Eventually you can even use it for dog sports, where the dog has to make turns. It’ll teach the dog to make sharp turns, while still being focused on what is in front of it.
Play Dead
This is one of the fun tricks that some people already teach their dog from the beginning, but others never think about it. With this trick the dog lies down on their side and stays still. It looks like the dog is playing dead.
How to teach it
1. Begin with your dog in a lying-down position.
2. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly guide their head toward their shoulder, encouraging them to roll onto their side.
3. As soon as they lie on their side, say the command “Bang!” or “Play dead” and reward them.
4. Gradually increase the time they stay in position before giving the treat.
The fun thing about this trick is that you can make it as dramatic as you want. Some dogs are natural when it comes to dramatical effects, while others need a little more help with it. Just keep practicing and see how you can do this trick with your four-legged companion.
Tips for success with fun tricks
Before you start with the fun tricks to teach your dog, you have to keep a few things in mind. Positive reinforcement is key to build the bond with your dog and keep learning together. Always reward your dog with treats, praise, or playtime when they perform a trick correctly. And always consider your dog’s age, breed, and physical condition when choosing tricks. For example, high-energy tricks like spinning may not suit older dogs with joint issues.
Training sessions should be 5-10 minutes long to prevent boredom or frustration. Some dogs have the ability to go a little bit longer but try to switch it up as much as possible so you both keep having fun. And always be patient. Every dog learns at their own pace, so celebrate small wins along the way. Always finish training sessions with a success to keep your dog motivated.
Start your own journey
Teaching your dog tricks is a rewarding experience that strengthens your bond and keeps them mentally sharp. Whether it’s a simple high five or a dramatic play dead, the joy of learning and performing together is unmatched. But always make sure that you mix the fun tricks up with normal obedience training. And don’t forget to show us what your dog learned!
