Teaching your dog tricks isn’t just about showing off at the park, it’s one of the easiest ways to strengthen your bond while keeping their mind active.
When done with patience and positivity, training sessions become something you both look forward to rather than a chore.
Dogs love challenges that earn them praise and treats, and the process helps them build confidence while learning to trust your cues.
From high-fives to playful spins, each new trick adds a little joy (and plenty of laughs) to your daily routine.
The best part is that you don’t need fancy tools or professional skills to start.
With the right attitude and a few clever techniques, you can turn training time into one of your dog’s favourite parts of the day: full of enthusiasm, tail wags, and shared wins.
All information is provided for general interest only.
Consult a qualified dog trainer or veterinarian for personalised advice.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Start With The Classic High Five
Dogs naturally lift their paws when they want attention, which makes this trick surprisingly easy to teach.
Hold a treat in your closed fist near your dog’s chest and wait patiently.
Most dogs will paw at your hand trying to get the treat.
As soon as their paw touches your palm, say ‘high five’ and reward them immediately.
Practice this motion several times until your pup connects the action with the command.
Soon you’ll be able to hold your hand up without a treat, and your dog will happily slap you five on cue.
2. Master The Spin Around Move
This trick turns your living room into a mini dance floor.
Hold a tasty treat close to your dog’s nose and slowly guide them in a complete circle.
Keep the treat low enough that they follow it with their head without jumping.
Once they complete the full rotation, give them the treat and plenty of praise.
Add the word ‘spin’ or ‘twirl’ as they’re turning so they learn to associate the movement with your voice command.
After a few sessions, try the hand motion without holding food.
3. Teach The Adorable Play Dead Routine
Start with your dog already in a down position to make this easier.
Gently roll them onto their side while holding a treat near their nose to keep them interested.
Say ‘bang’ or ‘play dead’ in a calm voice as they settle onto their side.
Reward them right away while they’re still lying down.
Some dogs catch on within minutes, while others need several practice rounds to feel comfortable staying still in this position.
Eventually, they’ll flop over dramatically whenever you point your finger.
4. Build Up To The Impressive Roll Over
Your dog should already know ‘down’ and ‘play dead’ before attempting this one.
Once they’re lying on their side, hold a treat near their shoulder blade and slowly move it toward their spine.
This motion encourages them to rock onto their back and continue rolling.
Guide the treat all the way around until they complete the full roll, then celebrate with treats and affection.
Break the movement into smaller steps if your dog seems confused or hesitant.
Patience makes all the difference with this slightly trickier move.
5. Practice The Polite Shake Hands Greeting
Similar to the high five, shaking hands teaches your dog mannerly greetings.
Sit in front of your dog and gently tap the back of one paw while saying ‘shake’ or ‘paw.’
Most dogs will naturally lift that paw in response to the touch.
Grab their paw gently, give them a treat, and repeat the process several times.
Soon they’ll offer their paw automatically when they hear the command.
This trick impresses guests and gives your dog a polite way to say hello instead of jumping.
6. Try The Fun Fetch And Drop Game
Many dogs love chasing toys but struggle with the return part.
Start by tossing a favourite toy a short distance and encouraging your dog to bring it back.
When they return with the toy, hold a treat near their nose.
Most dogs will drop the toy to get the treat.
Say ‘drop it’ right as the toy leaves their mouth, then reward them immediately.
Gradually increase the distance and phase out treats as they understand that dropping the toy means another fun throw.
This creates an endless loop of entertainment.
7. Introduce The Clever Weave Through Legs
Stand with your legs apart and hold a treat in your hand behind one leg.
Lure your dog through the space between your legs from front to back, then bring them around to weave through the other direction.
Use the treat to guide them in a figure-eight pattern around both legs.
Add a command like ‘weave’ or ‘through’ as they move.
This trick looks impressive at gatherings and provides excellent mental stimulation.
Start slowly and keep sessions short to avoid confusion or frustration for either of you.
8. Work On The Back Up Command
Face your dog and take a step toward them while saying ‘back up’ or ‘reverse.’
Most dogs will naturally step backward to maintain comfortable space between you.
Mark this movement with a clicker or the word ‘yes,’ then toss a treat behind them.
Practice in a hallway at first since the walls help guide them in a straight line.
This trick proves useful in real life when you need your dog to move away from doorways or give you space in the kitchen.
Consistency helps them understand exactly what you want.
9. Develop The Speak On Command Skill
Wait for a moment when your dog naturally barks at something like a doorbell or squirrel.
Immediately say ‘speak’ and reward them with a treat while they’re still vocalizing.
Timing matters tremendously with this trick.
After several repetitions, try giving the command when they’re quiet and see if they respond.
Some dogs pick this up quickly, while quieter breeds may need more encouragement.
Once they master speaking, you can also teach ‘quiet’ by rewarding them when they stop barking on cue.
10. Challenge Them With The Find It Treasure Hunt
Hide treats around a room while your dog watches, then say ‘find it’ and let them search.
Start with obvious hiding spots like under a cushion edge or behind a chair leg.
Celebrate enthusiastically when they discover each treat.
Gradually make the hiding spots more challenging as their nose work improves.
This activity taps into their natural scenting abilities and tires them out mentally, which can be just as exhausting as physical exercise.
Rainy days become much more manageable when you have this indoor game ready.
