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Training my dog was not just about teaching him new tricks; it was about strengthening our bond and enhancing her cognitive skills. Each trick brought us closer and made us understand each other better. Here, I share the ten best tricks to teach your dog, explaining why they’re beneficial and giving you a simple guide on how to teach them to your furry friend. If you want to know some of the best tricks to teach your dog, read on!
The Basics
1. Sit
Why It’s Good: The ‘Sit’ command is fundamental for every dog. It’s the foundation for more complex tricks and essential for managing your dog in various situations.
How to Teach: Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose, then move your hand up, allowing his head to follow the treat and causing his bottom to lower. Once he’s in sitting position, say “Sit,” give him the treat, and share affection.
2. Paw Shake
Why It’s Good: Teaching your dog to give their paw is not just cute; it helps with socialization and getting them comfortable with having their paws touched, useful for nail trimming sessions.
How to Teach: Ask your dog to sit. Then, hold a treat in your hand and show it to them. Most dogs will use their paw to try and get it. When they raise their paw, say “Paw” or “Shake,” give them the treat, and then praise them.
Commands for Safety
3. Stay
Why It’s Good: ‘Stay’ is crucial for your dog’s safety, keeping them still despite distractions until you’re ready to call them back.
How to Teach: Ask your dog to sit, open the palm of your hand in front of you, and say “Stay.” Take a few steps back. Reward them with a treat if they stay. Increase the number of steps gradually.
4. Come
Why It’s Good: This recall command is vital for preventing dangerous situations, allowing you to call your dog back to you securely.
How to Teach: Put a leash and collar on your dog. Go down to their level and say “Come” while gently pulling on the leash. When they get to you, reward them with affection and a treat.
Advanced Tricks
5. Lie Down
Why It’s Good: Just like “sit,” this is one of the most important tricks to teach your dog. It’s a submissive posture that can help in managing your dog’s behavior and calming them in various situations.
How to Teach: With your dog in the sitting position, hold a treat in your hand and bring it to the ground in front of them, moving it away so they lay down to follow it. Say “Down” as they lie down, then give them the treat and affection.
6. Roll Over
Why It’s Good: This trick is entertaining and mentally stimulating for your dog, keeping them engaged and happy.
How to Teach: Start with your dog in the ‘Down’ position. Hold a treat by their nose, and then move it behind their shoulder, so they have to turn over to follow it. Say “Roll Over” as they perform the action, and reward them when completed.
Fun and Exercise
7. Fetch
Why It’s Good: Fetch is a fantastic way to exercise your dog while having fun. It teaches them to follow commands and play interactively.
How to Teach: Start with a toy that your dog likes. Throw it a short distance and say “Fetch.” Encourage them to go after the toy. Once they pick it up, call them back with “Come” and trade the toy for a treat when they return it to you.
8. Spin
Why It’s Good: Spin is a fun and easy trick that can improve your dog’s agility and body awareness.
How to Teach: Hold a treat near your dog’s nose, then slowly move your hand in a circle around them. As they follow the treat and complete the spin, say “Spin” and give them the treat.
Vocal Control
9. Speak
Why It’s Good: Teaching your dog to ‘Speak,’ or bark on command, allows you to control when and where they vocalize, reducing unwanted barking.
How to Teach: Find a situation that naturally makes your dog bark, and as they bark, say “Speak,” then give them a treat. Repeat this process until they understand the association between the command and the action.
10. Quiet
Why It’s Good: Just as important as ‘Speak,’ ‘Quiet’ teaches your dog to stop barking on command, which is essential for controlling noise levels.
How to Teach: After your dog learns ‘Speak,’ wait for them to stop barking, say “Quiet,” and immediately reward them. They’ll learn that silence following the command brings rewards.
Training my dog these tricks has been an incredibly rewarding journey for both of us. It’s not just about the tricks themselves but the communication, trust, and bond that we built through the process. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key. Happy training!
Consult your vet or a professional trainer for more information on how to train your pup.
