Dog Trick Guide

On this page, you'll find inspiring dog training exercises and tricks. Whether you're just starting out or experienced, there's always something new to discover and learn. Training together with your dog strengthens your bond, boosts their intelligence, and provides hours of fun. Moreover, scientific research shows that mental stimulation, such as learning tricks, contributes to better brain development and improved behavior in dogs. Dogs who are regularly challenged with new tasks stay mentally sharp longer, exhibit less stress, and generally live happier and more balanced lives.

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How do stars work?

We've added a difficulty rating to each trick so you know exactly where to start:

• ★ – Very easy: Perfect for beginners.
• ★★ – Easy: Fun for the first steps.
• ★★★ – Average: For dogs that already have some training experience.
• ★★★★ – Challenging: A fun challenge for experienced trainers.
• ★★★★★ – Very difficult: For real professionals or perseverers!

Basic Commands (Foundation for Every Dog)

1. Sit – The most fundamental command. ★
2. Down – Have your dog lie flat on the ground. ★
3. Stay – Teach your dog to stay still in one place. ★★
4. Come – Call your dog to you. ★
5. Walking at heel – Walk neatly beside you without pulling. ★★
6. Release – Release an object on command. ★★
7. Wait – A variation of "stay," useful at doors or crossings. ★★
8. Here – Use it at long distances to call your dog. ★★
9. Free – Teach your dog to leave his spot on command. ★★
10. Place or basket – Send your dog to his place to sit or lie down. ★★★

Advanced Commands (For the Advanced Trainer)

1. Paw-Off – Have your dog offer his paw.
2. High five – A fun twist on "giving a paw." ★
3. Rollover – Have your dog roll onto his back. ★★
4. Play Dead – Play "bang!" and make your dog fall down. ★★
5. Crawling – Have your dog crawl forward on his stomach. ★★★
6. Rolling Over – Your dog learns to turn around multiple times. ★★
7. Walking Around an Object – Have your dog circle a chair or object. ★★

Agility and Balance

1. Jumping through a hoop – Perfect for agility training. ★★★
2. Zigzag Through Your Legs – Let your dog slalom between your legs. ★★★
3. Walking backwards – A fun challenge that requires coordination. ★★★★
4. Jumping over a hurdle – Use a low hurdle for practice. ★★
5. Climbing up on command – for example, a stool or a stone.
6. Maintaining balance on an object – for example, a ball or a small board. ★★★★
7. Walking on a rope – It's like you've created a small "balance beam." ★★★★
8. Standing on two legs – Stand upright with your front legs up. ★★★★
9. Running through a tunnel – Ideal for agility training. ★★

Fun and Social Tricks

1. Bubble Blowing – Your dog learns to blow a bubble (with help). ★★★★
2. Spinning – Have your dog do a pirouette. ★★
3. Bow Down – Have your dog do a deep bow. ★★★
4. Tidying Up – Have your dog put his toys in a basket. ★★★
5. Ringing a Bell – Your dog will learn to ring a bell for attention. ★★★
6. Speaking – Teach your dog to bark on command. ★★
7. Whisper – The opposite of barking; a soft squeak. ★★★
8. Hug – Teach your dog to "hug" you by putting his paw on your arm. ★★
9. Pretending to be embarrassed – Have your dog put his paw over his nose. ★★★

Interactive and Unique Tricks

1. Head Tilt – Teach your dog to tilt his head on command.
2. Say hello – Let your dog "wave" with his paw. ★★
3. Circle Around You – Have your dog walk in a circle around you. ★★
4. Nose Touch – Let your dog touch his own nose with his paw. ★★★
5. Spin in opposite directions – Turn left and right on command. ★★★★
6. Pulling a blanket over himself – Let your dog "hide" himself with a blanket. ★★★
7. Pushing your nose against a door – Closing the door with your nose. ★★★★
8. Paw on Foot – Have your dog stand next to you with his paw on your foot . ★★
9. Opening a Door – Teach your dog to pull a door open with a rope or ribbon. ★★★★★

Practical and Helpful Tricks

1. Carrying Objects – Have your dog carry a bag or other object. ★★
2. Carrying Groceries – Let your dog carry a grocery bag from the car into the house. ★★★
3. Backpack Carrying – Your dog learns to carry a small backpack. ★★★
4. Flipping a light switch – Ideal for handy dogs. ★★★★
5. Tidying Up – Have your dog put his toys in a basket. ★★★
6. Push a Ball – Have your dog push a ball with his nose. ★★★
7. Walking Between the Legs – Let your dog walk next to you, between your legs. ★★★
8. Climbing up on command – for example, a stool or a stone.