Just like us, our dogs prefer to add a little playtime into work or school. Training your pup to perform fun tricks not only gives you an excuse to show off for company; it also provides excellent enrichment and mental stimulation for your dog. The more you work with your dog, the stronger the trust and bond you two share. Impress your friends and get out of the normal rut of “sit” and “stay” with these fun tricks to teach your dog.
Our Favorite Fun Tricks
- Spin: This trick is simple to get your dog to perform while you lead them through it; the tricky part is getting them to understand to do it on their own. To start, stand in front of your dog while you face each other. They can be standing or sitting, whichever you prefer. Take a treat in hand and hold it in front and slightly above their head as you lead them in a circle. Say “spin” 2-3 times as you bring them through a single rotation, then give them the treat to reward them. As they get better about following your hand with the treat, start minimizing the motion. Ideally, your dog will be able to perform the trick with the verbal command and a small hand gesture in the shape of a circle.
- Beg/Sit Pretty: When in a sitting position, hold a treat above your dog’s head just out of reach. Slowly move it backwards so they have to lean back on their back feet to reach. This motion should get them into the proper beg position. Repeat the trick and command a few times as you reward them with the treats. Incorporate a hand signal as they get better at attaining this position.
- Bang!Play Dead: This trick will elicit gasps and applause from your audience once Fido has it down. When in a laying down position, roll your dog onto their back and hold them there. Repeat “play dead” or “bang!” a few times while holding them there, then reward them with a treat. Find a hand gesture that works for you to incorporate as well; some dogs get nervous when pointed at, so consider making a finger gun and pointing it towards the sky as you give the “bang!” command.
- Wait/Leave It: This command is not only impressive, but it also helps train your dog in patience and impulse control. When they are laying down, place a treat between their paws or on top of one of their paws. Keep their eyes and focus on you–repeat “wait” or “leave it”, and don’t let them break concentration or grab the treat. You may need to whistle, call their name, or gently hold their head at first to get them to wait. Once they’ve waited, give them a release command such as “okay” or “go ahead”. As they improve, gradually increase the time you make them wait and start taking steps away so that they are no longer in reach. Eventually you will be able to place the treats, give the command, walk away, and come back to them still waiting patiently. This command helps significantly when preparing their meals as well so that they aren’t jumping or getting in your way.
Whether you are looking for fun new tricks or need serious obedience training help, Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training are your Sarasota and Bradenton area professionals.
- Spin: This trick is simple to get your dog to perform while you lead them through it; the tricky part is getting them to understand to do it on their own. To start, stand in front of your dog while you face each other. They can be standing or sitting, whichever you prefer. Take a treat in hand and hold it in front and slightly above their head as you lead them in a circle. Say “spin” 2-3 times as you bring them through a single rotation, then give them the treat to reward them. As they get better about following your hand with the treat, start minimizing the motion. Ideally, your dog will be able to perform the trick with the verbal command and a small hand gesture in the shape of a circle.
- Beg/Sit Pretty: When in a sitting position, hold a treat above your dog’s head just out of reach. Slowly move it backwards so they have to lean back on their back feet to reach. This motion should get them into the proper beg position. Repeat the trick and command a few times as you reward them with the treats. Incorporate a hand signal as they get better at attaining this position.
- Bang!Play Dead: This trick will elicit gasps and applause from your audience once Fido has it down. When in a laying down position, roll your dog onto their back and hold them there. Repeat “play dead” or “bang!” a few times while holding them there, then reward them with a treat. Find a hand gesture that works for you to incorporate as well; some dogs get nervous when pointed at, so consider making a finger gun and pointing it towards the sky as you give the “bang!” command.
- Wait/Leave It: This command is not only impressive, but it also helps train your dog in patience and impulse control. When they are laying down, place a treat between their paws or on top of one of their paws. Keep their eyes and focus on you–repeat “wait” or “leave it”, and don’t let them break concentration or grab the treat. You may need to whistle, call their name, or gently hold their head at first to get them to wait. Once they’ve waited, give them a release command such as “okay” or “go ahead”. As they improve, gradually increase the time you make them wait and start taking steps away so that they are no longer in reach. Eventually you will be able to place the treats, give the command, walk away, and come back to them still waiting patiently. This command helps significantly when preparing their meals as well so that they aren’t jumping or getting in your way.
Whether you are looking for fun new tricks or need serious obedience training help, Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training are your Sarasota and Bradenton area professionals.
