Dogs are highly intelligent creatures that love to learn new things. Not only is teaching your dog tricks a fun bonding experience, but it also provides mental stimulation and helps to keep their minds sharp. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or just starting out, there are plenty of simple tricks you can teach your dog to impress your friends and family. In this article, we’ll go over 10 easy tricks that you can teach your dog right at home.
#1 – Sit
The “sit” command is one of the simplest tricks to teach your dog and is a great place to start. To teach your dog to sit, hold a treat close to their nose and move it upward over their head. This will cause your dog to naturally sit. As soon as their hind end hits the ground, say “sit” and give them the treat. Repeat this process several times a day until your dog associates the word “sit” with the action of sitting.
#2 – Stay
The “stay” command is another simple trick that you can teach your dog. Start by having your dog sit or stand, then hold your hand up and say “stay.” Take a few steps back and wait for your dog to break the stay. When they do, say “no” and go back to the original starting position. Gradually increase the distance and duration of the stay as your dog improves.
#3 – Come
The “come” command is an important trick for keeping your dog safe. To teach your dog to come, start by standing a few feet away from them and saying “come.” When your dog comes to you, praise them and give them a treat. Repeat this process, gradually increasing the distance until your dog will come to you from across the room or yard.
#4 – Shake
The “shake” trick is a fun and simple trick to teach your dog. Start by holding a treat in your hand and saying “shake.” When your dog takes the treat, use your other hand to hold their paw and say “good shake.” Repeat this process several times, gradually phasing out the treat and replacing it with praise.
#5 – Roll Over
The “roll over” trick is a bit more advanced, but can be a fun trick to teach your dog. Start by having your dog lie down and holding a treat above their nose. Move the treat over their head and towards their shoulder, causing them to roll over onto their back. As soon as they do, say “roll over” and give them the treat. Repeat this process several times until your dog associates the command with the action.
#6 – Speak
The “speak” trick involves teaching your dog to bark on command. Start by standing in front of your dog and saying “speak.” When they bark, say “good speak” and give them a treat. Repeat this process several times until your dog associates the command with barking.
#7 – Fetch
The “fetch” trick is a classic game that most dogs love to play. Start by showing your dog a toy and saying “fetch.” When they grab the toy, say “good fetch” and give them a treat. Repeat this process several times until your dog associates the command with grabbing the toy.
#8 – Play Dead
The “play dead” trick is a bit more advanced, but can be a fun trick to teach your dog. Start by having your dog sit and saying “
#9 – Spin or “Turn Around”
Teach your dog to spin or turn around by using a treat to guide their nose in a circle. Start by holding a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly moving it in a circular motion. Once your dog has completed a full circle, give them the treat as a reward. Repeat this process several times until your dog is able to complete the trick on command.
#10 – Shake Hands or “High Five”
Teaching your dog to shake hands or give a high five is a fun trick that will impress your friends and family. Start by holding a treat in your hand and asking your dog to sit. Show your dog the treat, then move your hand up towards their paw. When they touch their paw to your hand, give them the treat as a reward. Repeat this process several times until your dog is able to perform the trick on command.
With these easy tricks, you and your furry friend can have fun and bond together!