Teaching your dog tricks is a fun and rewarding experience, and strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion. And you don’t need to be a pro dog trainer! Check out this list of 7 simple tricks that anyone can teach their dog.
7 Simple Tricks Anyone Can Teach Their Dog
Here are seven simple tricks that anyone can teach their dog. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can have a well-behaved and entertaining pet in no time, and your furry friend will love you for it!
1. Lay Down
Teaching your dog to lie down is a simple trick that can be useful in various situations. Begin with your dog in a sitting position, then lower a treat to the ground in front of them while saying “down.” As your dog follows the treat and lies down, reward them with the treat and praise.
2. Spin or Turn Around
Teaching your dog to spin or turn around is another fun trick. Hold a treat near their nose and gently lead them in a circular motion. As they complete the turn, say “spin” or “turn around” and reward them. Repeat the process in both directions until your dog masters the trick.
3. Paw/Shake Hands
Teaching your dog to shake hands is an adorable and endearing trick. Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your dog. When they reach out with their paw to touch your hand, open your hand and say “paw” or “shake.” Give them the treat and plenty of praise.
4. High-Five
Training your dog to give a high-five is a fairly simple, attention-getting trick. After you have already trained your dog to shake paws, you will do the same action, but train your dog to hold its paw up in the air until you tap its paw. Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your dog up in the air at the normal height your dog can lift its paw, at about head level.
5. Roll Over
“Roll over” is a slightly more advanced trick but can be taught in simple steps. Start with your dog in a down position. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it in a circular motion over their head. Your dog should naturally roll over to follow the treat. As they complete the roll, say “roll over” and reward them.
6. Take a Bow
This impressive trick takes advantage of natural behavior, a move a dog makes to ask another dog to come and play. The trick involves having your dog put its forepaws (elbows) and chest to the ground while keeping its rear end up in the air.
Begin by telling your dog to “Bow,” then hold a treat in front of their nose and take it to the ground. As soon as your dog lowers their front, reward them with the treat and say “good” as you reward them. Use your hand to ensure your dog keeps its hind end up.
7. Speak
Unlike some of the other tricks, barking is an instinctive behavior for dogs, so this is a little more challenging to teach. This trick involves the word “speak” as a verbal command for your dog to bark. The easiest way is to start with something that already triggers your dog to bark, like grabbing its favorite toy or ringing the doorbell. You might also try making a quacking or barking sound of your own. As soon as the dog responds to your trigger word “speak,” immediately reward your dog with a tasty treat.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your dog tricks is a fantastic way to bond with your pet and provide them with mental stimulation. These seven tricks are simple enough for anyone to teach their dog, regardless of their breed or age.
Remember to be patient, use positive reinforcement, and keep training sessions short and enjoyable. With dedication and consistency, you’ll have a well-trained and entertaining canine companion in no time.
Read More: 7 Ways to Teach an Old Dogs New Tricks
