Fun Tricks To Teach Your Dog

Engaging in playful activities with your canine companion and nurturing a close bond with them is one of the most enjoyable aspects of dog ownership. The bond between you and your dog intensifies with each moment spent together. Training your dog is a wonderful way to interact with them while providing mental and physical stimulation. In this article we explore fun tricks to teach your dog.

It’s important to remember that each dog learns at their own pace, so patience is key as you steadily work through each training phase. While not every training exercise is essential for your dog’s behavior, it can add a fun and potentially favorite activity for you and your dog. Below are some top fun tricks to teach your dog.

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Fun tricks to teach your dogs.

Roll Over

“Roll Over” are somewhat advanced fun tricks to teach your dog once they’ve mastered the “down” position. Begin by having them lie down and then place a treat in your hand. Guide your hand around their head, encouraging them to follow it without getting up. As they stretch backward, gently roll them over while saying the command, “Roll.”

When they successfully roll over, even with your assistance, reward them with the treat and shower them with praise. Repeat this process for about 10 minutes at a time. If you’re eager for them to learn this trick quickly, you can conduct several 10-minute sessions daily. Always give them positive reinforcement when they roll over. In time, they will associate the “roll” command with the action of rolling over.

Shake Hands

Teaching your dog to “Shake Hands” is a relatively straightforward trick. Start with your dog sitting in front of you. Next, command “shake hands” and gently grasp their paw, mimicking a handshake. Reward them with a small treat and some words of praise. Repeat this routine several times daily during your training sessions. Eventually, attempt to give the “shake hands” command without physically taking their paw to see if they’ll offer it themselves. Suppose they don’t continue guiding their paw manually.

The “Shake Hands” trick is particularly useful for dogs that tend to be somewhat obstinate during training, as it is simpler to learn than other tricks.

Come When Called

Training your dog to respond to the “come” command is one of the most important tricks, ensuring they’ll promptly return to you regardless of their surroundings. Whether you opt for a whistle or verbal call, make sure it’s loud enough to be heard even in noisy environments.

Start by using your chosen signal, blowing the whistle, or saying “come” once, and then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this process multiple times a day for several days. They will soon learn to associate the sound with a treat and will begin to come towards you as you gradually increase the distance.

As your puppy begins to respond to the signal you use, progressively increase the distance between you two. Always reward them with a treat each time they respond correctly. If they start to ignore the command, reduce the distance and try to practice in a less distracting environment.

Turn Around

The “Turn Around” trick is similar to the standing version of “Roll Over.” Start by having your dog stand in front of you. Show them the treat in your hand and command “turn around” while guiding their nose in a circular motion. They should walk in a complete circle. Once they come around, reward them with a treat and offer praise.

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After practicing this for some time, attempt the command without physically leading them and simply say, “Turn around.” If they respond appropriately, reward them. If not, demonstrate the action to them again. Consistency with the command is key during the learning process, helping your dog associate the words “turn around” with the specific action you desire.

Wave

Once your canine companion has mastered the handshake, you can teach them the wave trick. Start by having your dog seated before you and extend your hand as if you’re about to initiate a handshake. However, instead of grabbing their paw as they offer it, retreat your hand and utter the command “wave,” rewarding their response with a treat.

In the beginning stages of this trick, your dog might not lift their paw too high. To address this, encourage them to elevate their paw progressively higher by offering the treat at a greater height. Eventually, you might succeed in having them wave back and forth by enticing them to follow the movement of the treat with their paw. This is one of the best fun tricks to teach your dog, but it takes discipline.

Play the Piano

Another of the fun tricks to teach your dog is playing the piano. Teaching your dog to play the piano isn’t a vital skill, but it can be an entertaining party trick. Dog-sized pianos are available at toy stores, providing a fun tool for this unique training.

You can train your dog to play the piano using their paws or nose. Place a treat at the spot you want them to touch, and encourage them to tap the piano keys to create a sound. Once they do, reward them with the treat. This process might be more intricate and possibly frustrating for dogs that don’t catch on quickly, but with patience and persistence, it can be an amusing and engaging activity for you and your pet.

Go to Bed

The command “Go to bed” can be useful when you need your dog to be in a specific location rather than right beside you. This instruction guides your pet to find their bed and settle into it. Start by positioning their bed or a cherished blanket about 6-10 feet away from the two of you. Use the phrase “go to bed” and accompany them to their sleeping area. Once they lie down, reward them with a treat and heap on the compliments.

Repeat this exercise many times over several days. After some time, you can test the command by sending your dog alone to their bed. To make it easier initially, have someone else stationed at the bed with a treat ready for them. As they get more accustomed to the command, attempt to get them to comply without anyone near the bed. If they successfully do so, walk over and reward them.It’s crucial to make them understand that the “go to bed” command also involves lying in bed, not just going to it. Refrain from using the command “lie down,” as they should understand that this action is already incorporated in the “go to bed” command.

Play Dead

This trick requires a bit more effort than regular commands. If your pup is already familiar with the phrase ‘roll over,’ teaching them this trick might become a breeze. Start by getting them to lie down and gently guide them to the floor. Reward them for their good behavior once they are fully relaxed and in the ‘dead’ position. There are several methods to teach your dog this entertaining trick. Choose the one that best suits your dog’s understanding and learning style.

Give a Kiss

Teaching your dog to give you kisses is one of the simplest tricks you can train them because they usually enjoy doing it naturally. Moreover, mastering this trick can also help them understand when it’s appropriate to lick and when it’s not.

Place a treat near your cheek to begin the training, and use your preferred command word. When your dog leans in for the kiss, reward them with the treat and show them plenty of praise. This delightful trick is often a favorite among kids and adds an adorable touch to your bond with your furry friend.

Hug

Teaching your dog to hug you is a heartwarming trick to master. You can use several effective methods to teach your furry friend this adorable gesture.

For a kneeling hug, kneel before your dog and place a treat on your shoulder. Encourage them to bring their paws up towards you as if hugging you. Once they do this, reward them with the treat to reinforce the behavior.

If you prefer a standing hug, start by standing before your dog. Show them a treat close to your face or at their standing height. Pat the area and use the command “hug” while encouraging them to stand up and gently wrap their paws around you. Once they do so, please treat them as a delightful reward for their affectionate embrace. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog will soon master the art of giving heartwarming hugs, making your bond even more special.

High Five

Teaching your dog the “high five” trick is an extension of the wave trick and resembles the touch trick. If your dog already knows the “wave” trick, teaching them this fun gesture will be a breeze.

To start, encourage your dog to lift their paw high. As they raise their paw, meet it with your hand and say “high five” cheerfully. Once their paw and your hand touch, reward them with a treat and shower them with praise to reinforce the behavior.

With consistent practice and positive reinforcement, your furry companion will soon master the “high five” trick and be ready to impress friends and family with their adorable paw-shaking skills.

Dance

Teaching a dog to dance can be a delightful trick, and while almost any dog can learn it, it’s generally easier for smaller dogs due to their lighter weight.

To start the training, have your dog sit in front of you. Hold a treat in your closed hand, positioned close to their nose. Gradually lift the treat up and slightly behind their head, causing them to look backward and stand on their hind legs to catch the treat more easily. As they rise on their hind legs, reward them with the treat. Continue practicing this until they can stand steadily on their hind legs.

As they become more proficient, they progress to the next step. Have them stand and then move the treat in a circle around their head while saying the word “dance.” They should begin to turn while remaining on their hind legs. Remember, if your dog is prone to back problems, it’s best to avoid teaching them this trick to prevent potential health issues.

With patience and positive reinforcement, your furry friend can learn this entertaining dance trick and bring joy and smiles to everyone who witnesses their adorable moves.

Conclusion

These fun tricks to teach your dog is a rewarding and enjoyable experience for you and your furry companion. It strengthens the bond, stimulates their minds, and promotes positive behavior. Patience and positive reinforcement are key to successful training, resulting in a happy and well-trained dog.