Unleash the fun: Easy dog tricks for every pup
What's the story
Dogs are not just our faithful companions; they're also incredibly intelligent animals capable of learning a variety of tricks that not only entertain but also mentally stimulate them.
Whether you have a playful pup or a senior dog, here are five fun and popular dog tricks that any dog can learn with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement.
Balance
'Sit pretty' or 'beg'
Teach your dog the charming "sit pretty" trick by starting in a sitting position.
Hold a treat above their nose, lifting it slowly while saying "sit pretty" or "beg."
As they reach for it, their hind legs will rise. Reward with the treat and praise.
Practice to improve duration.
This showcases balance and coordination in your furry friend.
Paw
'Shake hands'
Begin by commanding your dog to sit.
Once they are in a sitting position, gently take one of their front paws in your hand and say the cue word, such as "shake" or "paw."
Reward your dog with a treat and plenty of praise.
Repeat this process on a regular basis until your dog learns to offer their paw on command.
Agility
Roll over
Start by commanding your dog to lie down.
Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it towards their shoulder, encouraging them to roll onto their side.
As they follow the treat, continue to lure them into a full roll-over position.
With consistent practice, your dog will master this trick and delight everyone with their acrobatic skills.
Flair
'Spin'
Begin by commanding your dog to stand.
Hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it in a circular motion, guiding them to turn in the direction you desire.
As they complete the spin, reward them with the treat and praise.
Repeat this process, gradually reducing the hand gesture until your dog can spin on command.
Gun gesture
'Play dead'
Impress your friends by training your dog to play dead with a simple finger gun gesture and saying "bang."
It's easier than you think, especially if your dog already knows how to roll over.
Start by reinforcing the "play dead" behavior when your dog is lying on its side.
Gradually introduce the finger gun cue and reward when they mimic the action.