5 Simple Tricks to Teach Your Dog

Teaching your dog tricks is not only amusing, but it is great for bonding between the two of you. Just like you, your dog also needs to exercise his mind daily. Training sessions can boost his confidence and teach him to focus his attention. This is why it is important to train your dog regularly – especially if he has high energy and needs constant stimulation. Training can take patience for both you and your canine. Keep in mind that each dog is unique and learns at their own pace. Here are 5 easy tricks for your canine and common methods for teaching them.

Shake

There are many different ways to teach your dog to shake hands. One of the best ways is to have your dog sit (for balance purposes), then tap the back of one of their paws. Your dog will likely react by lifting their paw. Say the command, “shake.” Shake their paw like you are shaking hands, then reward your dog with a treat. Repeat this action until your dog understands that lifting their paw and placing it on your hand is associated with the “shake” command.

Speak

This trick will be easiest to teach to vocal dogs who already are not shy vocally. Your dog will learn this best if they are excited. Since you know your dog better than anyone else, you will understand what it takes to get your dog hyped up. Once your dog has a surge of energy, it’s time to teach them to speak.

Show the dog that you have the treat to get their attention, then quickly hide the treat, indicating that the dog needs to earn it. When your dog barks with excitement (sometimes making barking sounds yourself can stimulate barking), reward him with a treat. After doing this a few times, name the sound by commanding “speak” before he barks. After some repetition, your dog should associate “speak” with a responsive bark.

Kiss

This trick is fairly easy for most dogs to learn, especially if they enjoy licking faces (odds are that your dog does). Simply say the “kiss” command, bending down so they can lick you. It may take some coaxing, but it is likely that your dog will lick your face (perhaps out of excitement because they want the treat behind your back). Reward your dog with the treat. Repeat this until your dog understands the command and responds accordingly.

Lie Down

This trick is more practical than the previously mentioned tricks because it can be used to calm and control an agitated or aggressive dog. This is also a good action to precede teaching your dog to stay. This method may be easier for taller canines, as coaxing a small dog low to the ground is not as easy, since they are already close to the ground at their tallest stance. Command your dog to sit. Hold a treat visibly in your hand and allow your dog to lean forward and smell it. Lower the treat to the ground and patiently wait for your dog to lie down as he follows the treat. If he stands, simply command him to sit and start again. When your dog lies down, reward him with the treat. Repeat this process, now adding the command “lie down” until your dog associates the command with the behavior.

Stay

It is important that your dog is exercised and calm for this training session so that he can focus, since the “stay” trick requires self-control. Command your dog to sit or lie down. Show him the treat in your hand, so you have his undivided attention. Tell your dog to “stay,” then step backward. Your dog will likely jump up to follow you. Repeat this process until your dog stays put. Once he stops following you, indicate that you are pleased with him and give him a treat.

At first, your dog will only stay for a few seconds, at most. As the training session progresses, move further away and allow your dog to sit for longer periods of time. You can add other elements to the training by creating distractions like bouncing a ball across the room or turning your back for a few seconds. Your dog may learn better this trick best in short, frequent sessions rather than a few long sessions, as this challenges his attention span. This command will teach your dog self-control and obedience.