5 Easy Tricks To Teach Your Dog

Teaching your dog new tricks doesn’t have to feel like homework. It can be messy, funny, and honestly, a really sweet way to bond. You don’t need fancy tools or a professional trainer either. Just a few treats, some patience, and a little time every day can go a long way. Here are five easy tricks you can teach your dog at home, even if you’ve never trained a dog before.

It sounds basic, but it’s the foundation for almost everything else. Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then slowly lift your hand up and slightly back over their head. Most dogs will naturally lower their bum to follow the treat. The second their butt hits the floor, say “sit” and give the treat. Keep your voice calm and happy. Don’t force them into position. Let them figure it out. And yes, they might just stare at you like you’re being weird at first. That’s normal.

This one is always a crowd-pleaser. Ask your dog to sit. Then gently tap one of their front paws or hold the treat in your closed fist near their paw. When they lift their paw even a little, say “shake” and reward them. At first, it might be more of a clumsy paw-flop than a proper handshake. That’s fine. Celebrate the effort. Dogs learn faster when they feel like they’re winning.

From a sitting position, hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it down towards the floor. Once their nose follows, slide the treat forward along the ground. Most dogs will stretch out and lie down to reach it. The moment their chest touches the floor, say “down” and reward them. This one takes a bit of patience. Some dogs pop right back up like springs. Just reset and try again. Keep sessions short so no one gets frustrated.

This trick is great for high-energy dogs who love to move. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly guide them in a small circle. As they turn around, say “spin.” When they complete the circle, reward them. At first, they might only turn halfway or wander off. That’s okay. Even a half-spin is progress. Once they get the idea, this becomes one of those tricks they’ll happily show off to guests.

This one isn’t flashy, but it’s super important. Start indoors where there are fewer distractions. Crouch down, open your arms, and say your dog’s name followed by “come” in a cheerful voice. When they come to you, make it a big deal. Treats, praise, maybe even a quick cuddle. You want your dog to think coming to you is the best choice they can make. Don’t call them to scold them. That just teaches them to avoid you next time.

A small tip that really helps: train when your dog is a little hungry and not too distracted. Keep sessions short. Five minutes is plenty. End on a win, even if it’s a tiny one. And don’t stress if progress is slow. Dogs aren’t robots. Some days they’re focused. Some days they just want to sniff the floor and vibe.

Teaching tricks isn’t about having the “perfect” dog. It’s about building trust, having a few laughs, and creating those little moments where you both feel proud of each other.

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