Summer is the perfect time to keep both your kids and your dog active, engaged, and learning together. Teaching tricks isn’t just fun—it helps build responsibility, boost confidence, and strengthen the bond between your child and your pup. Best of all, the tricks below are simple enough for most kids to teach with just a little time and patience.
Here are 10 easy dog tricks your kids can teach the family dog this summer.
1. Sit
“Sit” is the foundation of most good dog behavior. Have your child hold a treat just above the dog’s nose and slowly move it back over their head.
As the dog’s bottom naturally lowers, say “sit” and reward them right away. Kids love seeing how quickly dogs catch on.
2. Shake or Paw
This one’s a favorite for kids and super easy to teach. Have your child say “shake,” gently lift the dog’s paw, and reward immediately.
Soon your pup will offer their paw without help—and your child will feel like a pro trainer.
3. High Five
Once your dog knows “shake,” “high five” is a fun twist. Encourage your dog to raise their paw a bit higher, and have your child meet it with a flat hand.
Add the cue “high five” and celebrate when they connect. It’s fun and looks great in photos.
4. Lie Down
From “sit,” guide the treat slowly to the floor between your dog’s front paws. As they follow it down, say “lie down” and reward when their belly touches the ground.
This trick teaches calmness—and gives kids a chance to teach a cue that looks advanced but is easy to learn.
Read More: 15 Fun Dog-and-Kid Activities for the Summer Break
5. Spin
With a treat in hand, have your child slowly guide your dog in a circle while saying “spin.” Most dogs will follow the motion with ease.
After a full circle, give praise and a treat. Try both clockwise and counterclockwise for extra fun.
Read More: The 7 Best Dog Shampoos for Itchy Dogs
6. Touch (Nose to Hand)
Hold a treat in one hand and present the other hand flat like a target. When the dog sniffs or touches the open hand with their nose, say “touch” and reward.
It’s a simple trick that lays the groundwork for future games and commands.
7. Take a Bow
Catch this move when your dog naturally stretches—front paws down, rear up. Say “bow” and reward when it happens.
Your child can practice marking the behavior when it happens and gradually put it on cue.
8. Roll Over
From “lie down,” guide a treat toward your dog’s shoulder to encourage them to roll. Say “roll over” as they complete the movement.
It may take a few tries, but most dogs love the praise (and belly rubs) that follow.
9. Play Dead (“Bang!”)
Once your dog knows how to roll onto their side, turn it into a dramatic trick. Add the cue “bang!” and have your child reward the dog for staying still.
It’s silly, impressive, and always a crowd-pleaser.
10. Jump Through a Hoop
Start low to the ground with a hula hoop and lure your dog through with a treat. Use the cue “through” and reward once they make it.
Raise the hoop slightly as they gain confidence. It’s a great exercise and fun for both trainer and pup.
These tricks are more than just entertainment—they teach patience, communication, and trust. With supervision and encouragement, your child can become their dog’s favorite teacher this summer.
Read More: How to Introduce Your Pup to a Dog Park
