Trick training isn't just for show — it's one of the best ways to exercise your dog's brain, strengthen your bond, and build their confidence. A dog who knows 20 tricks is a dog who loves learning.
Beginner Tricks
Shake / Paw
- With your dog in Sit, hold a treat in your closed fist at their chest level.
- Most dogs will paw at your hand. The instant their paw touches: "Yes!" + treat.
- Add cue: "Shake!" or "Paw!" and present your open palm.
Spin
- Hold a treat at your dog's nose. Lure them in a circle.
- "Yes!" + treat when they complete the full turn.
- Add cue: "Spin!" Use a circular hand signal.
- Teach both directions: "Spin" (clockwise) and "Twist" (counter-clockwise).
Touch (Nose Target)
- Hold your flat palm out. Most dogs will sniff it curiously.
- Nose touches palm: "Yes!" + treat from other hand.
- Add cue: "Touch!"
- Move your hand to different positions — high, low, to the sides.
- This is incredibly useful: you can guide your dog anywhere with a hand target.
Intermediate Tricks
- Roll Over: From Down, lure nose toward shoulder → over onto back → complete roll. "Yes!" + jackpot.
- Crawl: From Down, lure forward very low. Reward any forward movement with belly on ground.
- Peekaboo: Lure dog between your legs from behind. "Yes!" when head pops through.
Training as enrichment:
10 minutes of trick training tires a dog out more than 30 minutes of walking. Learning new things is mentally exhausting (in a good way). Use this when weather keeps you indoors.