13+ Fun & Easy Tricks To Teach Your Dog (With Instructions)

If you think teaching your old dog new tricks will make it the talk of the town, then you are absolutely right. But it’s not only the popularity we are enticed about. Discovering these simple yet amusing tricks to teach your dog goes a long way, at least, much longer than you think.

Dogs are perpetual learners, just like us humans. They never stop soaking up new knowledge throughout their lives. When you give them fresh challenges and teach them new commands, it keeps their minds sharp and boredom at bay. Also, dog training, be it any kind, is a great way to teach your dog the lesson of patience.

If you are keen to jump onto some doggie action, this article is your go-to guide. We've put together a list of 14 super fun tricks to teach your dogs besides the usual basic commands. The best part? We've made sure the instructions are as easy as pie to guarantee sure-shot results.

By the time you are finished reading this, we promise you to be all prepared to try out your favorite dog tricks with your furry friend. It’s time for your dog to fetch some tricks.

14 Coolest Tricks To Teach Your Dog: Bond & Beyond

So before we officially begin the “our coolest tricks to teach your dog” guide, here are things that we think you should be a little prepared about.

Your dog should be a pro at obedience training – it should know and follow all the basic commands like sit, stay, heel, no, and more.
Be a pro at “patience and perseverance” – Rome wasn't built in a day. This rule applies to dog training and the cue words too.

Select the right environment – don't let that focus break down. For your training purpose, you should have a place where it's the master and the doggo, no other distraction.

Have the right trading currency – When it comes to regular training, we're not really into using treats but when it's about teaching tricks, it's a whole new story. Some tricks just won't budge without those tasty rewards. They're like the magic ingredient that kickstarts the whole teaching process. Always get the ideal healthy and tasty treats to reward your dog when it does the trick promptly.

Always generalize the trick – Once your dog mastered any trick in one location, practice it in different areas of your home and outside. This will help them understand that the command applies everywhere.

If you have ticked all the above-mentioned points then you and your dog are ready for our easy dog tricks tutorial. So let the show begin.

1. Hi-Five

So whether you are celebrating a big win or just saying a simple hello to your pal, a high-five always makes everything better. Who doesn't love that satisfying slap of a high-five anyways? But this is not the only reason why we are starting with this dog trick. It's fun and yet very simple to learn and can come in handy at vet visits.

Here is what you have to do.

• Step 1: Get your dog’s attention. Call it near you in a cheerful but firm tone. Wait till it looks at you.
• Step 2: Hold a doggie treat in one hand and close it in a fist. Bring it near your dog’s nose and let it be intrigued by the whiff. You can let them lick your hand too.
• Step 3: Now take your palm upward and wait until your dog raises its leg to paw you. Once it does, reward them with the dog treat by linking it with a cue word and praise in a cheerful tone. It could be anything from “Hi-fi good boy” or “Hi-fi atta boy”.
• Step 4: Time to repeat the process with the same persistence till the time your dog starts associating the hand gesture with the cue word. Reward every time.
• Step 5: When you think your dog is starting to get the hang of it, start reducing treats but keep the praises coming with the cue words until your dog is proficient. Try different settings to generalize the behavior.

2. Give Kisses

Slobbery kisses? Yes, please. Like, who would say no to this power gesture of affection from your cutest furry friend? Make sure that you respect their boundaries as not all dogs are comfortable with such close contact.

Just a heads up, teaching your dog to give kisses is something to focus on only if your dog is really well-behaved when meeting people. If you work on this without good manners in place, your dog might start thinking that it’s okay to do this whenever they feel like it.

• Step 1: To start, you will need a sticky treat that is safe for your dog to consume. It could be peanut butter or cream cheese. Keep a towel or a wipe with you before you begin. Smear some of it on your cheek or the back of your hand (wherever you want your dog to kiss).
• Step 2: Call your dog by its name and don't start until you have its complete attention. Bring your cheek or hand (the smeared part) near your dog and point it and say the cue word. It can be anything like “Gimme a kiss” or “Give kiss”.
• Step 3: Leave the rest to your dog to wipe the yummy treat off your face or palm or wherever. Again use the same cue word. The association of the cue word with the desired action is everything.
• Step 4: Practice this trick daily with your doggo for a few minutes and reduce the frequency of using treats until the dog gets completely associated with the cue word minus the treat. When you think your dog has become a pro, try it with other people.

3. Back Up

So how many times have you been super impressed by a dog moving backward on cue? Well, it's time to teach your dog this amusing trick. Not only is it fun to see a dog do that but it can come in very handy on practical occasions like backing up from the front door. This trick is also sometimes known as “reverse” or “back away”.

• Step 1: Stand in front of your dog with a confident posture and use an open hand gesture to signal them to back up. Your palm should face toward your dog like you're signaling them to stop.
• Step 2: Take a step towards your dog, gently saying "Back up" in a clear and cheerful voice. As you do this, keep the hand signal consistent and your dog should naturally take a step back.
• Step 3: When your dog takes even the tiniest step backward, praise them enthusiastically. Repeat the process, until they get the concept.
• Step 4: Slowly increase the distance. Practice in different locations and situations to reinforce the command.

4. Play Dead

It’s time to teach your buddy the coolest trick in town – playing dead. It's a show-stopper that'll get everyone’s attention. So here's how to make your dog the star of the play dead performance:

• Step 1: Make sure your pup knows the "lie down" command. If they haven't quite nailed it, start there and give them some practice sessions to get comfortable with it.
• Step 2: Grab a yummy treat and let your dog sniff out the goodness. Ask them to lie down and then move the treat slowly toward the side of their head. This will encourage them to roll onto their side.
• Step 3: As your dog gracefully rolls onto their side, introduce a cool cue like "play dead" or "bang” and practice it consistently.
• Step 4: Spice things up by delaying the treat reward a bit. This builds suspense and turns your dog's performance into a real showstopper.
• Step 5: Throw in a finger-gun gesture when you say "bang". Your pup will catch on and turn the play-dead trick into an epic blockbuster.

5. Take A Bow

"Take a bow" is a cute and impressive trick where your dog gracefully lowers their front body while keeping their rear end up. So let's jump right into the spotlight with these simple steps:

• Step 1: Hold a treat near your dog's nose and slowly guide it down toward the ground. Your pup will naturally follow the treat and lower its head to resemble a graceful bow.
• Step 2: As soon as your dog takes that cute bow, say, "Take a bow" in your most enthusiastic voice.
• Step 3: Keep at it during different training sessions. After a few successful tries, begin to say "Take a bow" right before luring your dog into the bow position.
• Step 4: Encourage your dog to hold the bow position a bit longer each time. The longer they bow, the more time they have to soak up the applause.
• Step 5: Gradually remove the treat and instead, shower your dog with cheers and claps every time they nail the trick.

6. Shake Paws

Now it's time to make your dog a proper gentleman and teach them one of the easiest tricks – how to shake paws. Follow these fun steps for this paw-some trick:

• Step 1: Reach out your open hand towards your dog, palm facing up.
• Step 2: With your hand out, gently touch your dog's paw. Say, "Shake paws" in a cheerful tone. Most dogs immediately respond and offer their paw but if not, be patient until your dog understands what you want.
• Step 3: When your dog lifts their paw, even a little bit, praise them with excitement.
• Step 4: Keep practicing this trick during several training sessions. With time and practice, your dog will understand that offering their paw when you say "Shake paws" earns them a pat on the back and lots of love.

7. Jump

Let's teach your furry buddy a super fun trick - jump. This exciting move will make your dog feel like a little acrobat. In this trick, your dog leaps into the air with excitement. Here’s how you can do it.

• Step 1: Start in an open area where they have enough space to jump safely.
• Step 2: With your dog standing in front of you, say, "Jump". Use your enthusiastic voice and body language to show excitement. Your dog will pick up on your energy and get excited too.
• Step 3: Show your pup how it's done. While saying the cue word, gently jump in the air yourself to demonstrate what you want them to do.
• Step 4: As soon as your dog makes any attempt to jump, even if it's a small hop, praise them lavishly.
• Step 5: Gradually encourage them to jump a little higher with each attempt. Add the "jump" trick into playtime sessions and your dog will associate it with having a blast.

Remember, keep the training sessions short and avoid teaching this trick on hard surfaces or obstacles that can cause injury.

8. Fetch

This classic game is a fantastic way to bond with your pup and keep them active. It's a great way to engage their instincts and have some fun playtime. Here’s how you can get started with this easy dog trick:

• Step 1: Select a favorite toy or a soft ball that your dog loves. Choose something they enjoy carrying in their mouth.
• Step 2: Get your pup excited for playtime. Use your happy voice and show them the toy, getting them all revved up.
• Step 3: With your dog close by, toss the toy a short distance away from you. Make sure it's not too far for them to reach comfortably.
• Step 4: Use words like "Fetch it" or "Go get it" and point towards the toy. Your dog learns from your cues and enthusiasm.
• Step 5: When your pup fetches the toy and brings it back, celebrate with joy. Praise them warmly and give them a good pat on the back.

9. Wave On Cue

This delightful trick will have your dog saying "hello" in the cutest way possible and make everyone smile. Let's jump right into the steps to teach your dog the adorable trick of waving on cue.

• Step 1: Say their name to capture your pup's attention and give them a little pat or gentle scratch.
• Step 2: Gently lift one of your dog's front paws and wave it in the air, as if saying "hello." Make sure to do it gently and with a friendly tone.
• Step 3: As you wave your dog's paw, introduce a command word like "wave" or "hello." Saying the word while performing the action will help your pup associate it with the trick. The moment your dog lifts their paw, praise them with excitement and give them some pets.
• Step 4: As your dog catches on, start reducing your assistance. Encourage them to lift their paw on their own by giving the cue word.

10. Do The Twist

Time to hit the dance floor with your pup and teach them the super cool trick where your dog gets their groove on by twisting their body from side to side, almost like they're dancing.

• Step 1: Stand in front of your dog with a treat in your hand. Hold the treat close to your dog's nose and slowly move it in a circular motion away from its body. Your dog will follow the treat with their nose which will encourage them to turn in the same direction as the treat.
• Step 2: Use a verbal cue like "twist" or "spin" while you do this so your dog starts to associate the command with the action.
• Step 3: When your dog completes a full turn, reward them with the treat and verbal praise. Repeat this step several times, always using the same direction for the turn.
• Step 4: Once your dog gets the hang of the verbal cue, introduce a hand signal. Use a circular motion with your hand, like you're twirling a lasso, each time you say "twist”.
• Step 5: Gradually reduce the frequency of treats but continue to praise your dog to keep them motivated.

11. Sit Pretty

In this trick, your dog will learn to sit upright on their hind legs, looking as cute as can be. It's a fun and impressive trick that will surely delight anyone who sees it.

Remember, if your dog isn't used to standing on its hind legs, it's going to take a while for the leg muscles to get stronger. So take it easy – try working on this for short bursts each day and don't expect quick results. Just be content with small improvements in how long your pup can stay sitting up and keep building on that.

• Step 1: Make your dog sit in front of you and hold a treat close to your dog's nose. Slowly, raise it upward and slightly backward. This will encourage your dog to lift its front paws off the ground while keeping its backside on the floor.
• Step 2: Use a verbal cue like "Sit Pretty" or "Beg" to associate the action with the command. Continue to hold the treat above their head and reward them with praise and a treat for staying in the "sit pretty" pose.
• Step 3: In case your dog is having trouble finding their balance, use your free hand to give their front paws gentle support while they figure it out.
• Step 4: Over time, slowly reduce the amount of support you provide with your hand.
• Step 5: Once your dog starts to get the hang of it, introduce a hand signal like pointing upward to cue the trick.

12. Cuddle

This heartwarming trick involves getting your dog to come close to you, place their paws on your lap, and snuggle up for some quality cuddle time. Let’s see how it's done.

• Step 1: Take a seat, and tell your dog to "sit" in front of you. Use a gentle and inviting tone to ask them to come closer for cuddles. You can say something like "Come here" or "Cuddle time" to let them know what's up.
• Step 2: When your dog comes close and places their paws on your lap or nuzzles up to you, shower them with affectionate praise.
• Step 3: If your pup is a bit shy about cuddling, gently guide their paws onto your lap or encourage them to rest their head on your shoulder.
• Step 4: As they start to get the hang of cuddling, introduce a cue word like "cuddle" or "hug." Say it just before inviting them in for snuggles. This will help them connect the word with the warm and fuzzy action. Practice the trick regularly during your bonding time.

13. Stand Like A Hooman

In this adorable trick, your dog will learn to balance on their hind legs while imitating a human-like standing position. Before attempting the standing position, make sure your dog mastered the "sit" and "stay" commands.

Just like the sit pretty trick, it actually takes time for the dog to develop the right muscle strength and really nail the skill to make it look all impressive. So don't rush it. Just keep at it, working with your pup for short periods every day. You'll see progress.

• Step 1: Get your dog to sit in front of you. Hold a treat close to their nose and then slowly move it upwards, slightly away from them. This will make them lift their front paws off the ground.
• Step 2: As your dog attempts to stand on its hind legs, praise them and give them a treat.
• Step 3: Encourage your pup to stay in the standing position a bit longer each time. Gradually increase the duration before giving them the treat and praise.
• Step 4: Now, it's time to add a cue word like "Stand" just as your dog starts lifting their front paws.
• Step 5: Use your free hand to gently support their front paws or place your other hand under their belly for stability.
• Step 6: As your dog gets more comfortable, work on refining the standing position. Encourage them to hold the pose longer and stand up taller, resembling a human even more.

14. Rollover

In this trick, your dog will learn to lie down, then roll over onto their back, and finally, complete a full rotation to end up in a belly-up position.

• Step 1: Begin with your dog in a "down" position. Hold a treat close to their nose and then slowly move it towards their shoulder. This will encourage them to roll onto their side.
• Step 2: Use the treat to guide them further, encouraging them to roll all the way onto their back. Do this in a smooth and gentle motion.
• Step 3: Continue to move the treat in a circular motion to make them complete a full rotation. They should end up in a belly-up position.
• Step 4: Give them the treat and show them praise and affection as soon as your dog completes the rollover.
• Step 5: Once your dog starts to roll over consistently, add a verbal cue like "rollover" or "spin." Say the cue just before you guide them through the movement. Use a hand signal along with a verbal cue.
• Step 6: As your dog gets really good at this trick, start giving them fewer treats over time, eventually removing them altogether.

Building The Perfect Foundation For Tricks With Suburban K9

Teaching tricks to a dog is always fun. But you need a strong foundation before you can start with these tricks. The foundation is basic commands and obedience training. If a dog doesn't know how to sit, stay, or come when called, it's like trying to teach them tricks in a foreign language. They won't have a clue what you're asking them to do.

So before you start dreaming about your dog doing backflips, invest in building that solid foundation of basic commands. What better way to do this than with Suburban K9? Since 2006, Suburban K9 has been a leading board and train program. With a squad of 42 highly talented and certified trainers, we've worked our magic on over 20,000 dogs.

During the board and train program, your pooch gets to stay at our trainer's home. To keep your dog feeling right at home, we set up a cozy crate in a room with no distractions. The program's duration is flexible – it can range from 1 to 3 weeks, depending on what is best for your pup.

While your dog stays with us, they'll learn all the obedience commands like sit, heel, down, stay, and come. We'll also take care of potty training so you won't have to deal with any messy accidents when they get back home. Plus, we'll teach them the super-important front door manners so they won't be barging in like they own the place.

We'll go beyond the basics and equip your dog with some handy life skills. No more counter-surfing, nipping, barking, and leash pulling – we'll show them the right way to behave in any situation.

Conclusion

We know you and your dog will become part of the cool gang once you follow our guide on fun tricks to teach your dog. But remember, these tricks always come after your dog mastered the art of basic obedience. Once your dog is a pro at that, teaching them new tricks will only require following the right instructions without the process becoming frustrating.

Nobody understands this better than us at Suburban K9. Over the years, we transformed countless dogs from unruly to well-mannered pets. Our obedience training goes beyond just basic commands. We focus on creating a well-rounded dog with excellent social skills which means a happier, healthier pup for you. Get a free quote or contact us now and feel the Suburban K9 difference.