Dogs who engage in mentally stimulating activities like learning new tricks display improved cognitive function and reduced signs of age-related decline.1
Not only will these tricks amaze your audience, but also keep your dog’s mind sharp and active. Plus, trick training is one of the most popular activities among dog owners, with 67% teaching their dogs at least one trick.2
These 15 cool dog tricks are guaranteed to impress, provide mental stimulation, and strengthen the bond between you and your pup.
1. High Five
High fives aren’t just for humans anymore! Teaching your dog to give a high five is a fun and easy trick that’s sure to impress. Start by holding a treat in your hand and waiting for your dog to paw at it. When their paw touches your hand, say “high five” and give them the treat.
With enough practice, your dog eagerly slaps your hand for a tasty reward. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it also helps develop your dog’s coordination and reinforces positive behavior.
2. Spin
Get ready to make your dog twirl with delight! The spin trick is great for showing off your dog’s agility and obedience. Use a treat to lure your dog into a circle, saying “spin” as you guide them. Once they complete a full rotation, reward them with the treat and plenty of praise. As your dog masters the trick, you can even teach them to spin in both directions on command.
Spinning is a fun trick and provides mental stimulation and physical exercise for your dog. Dogs who regularly engaged in trick training showed increased problem-solving abilities and reduced stress levels compared to those who did not.
3. Play Dead
Teach your dog to play dead, and you’ll have a dramatic performance that will turn heads. Start by having your dog lie down, then gently roll it onto its side or back, saying, “play dead” or “bang.” Reward it for staying still, gradually increasing the duration of the pose. With enough practice, your dog will be ready for its Hollywood close-up.
Playing dead is entertaining and serves as a foundation for teaching more advanced tricks like rolling over or crawling. It also helps build trust between you and your dog as they learn to remain calm and relaxed in a vulnerable position.
4. Kiss
Pucker up because your dog is about to learn the most loving trick: the kiss! To teach this sweet gesture, put a small amount of peanut butter or a sticky treat on your cheek, and say “kiss” as your dog licks it off. Gradually reduce the amount of treat on your cheek until your dog understands the command and gives you a smooch on cue.
Kissing is a great way to show affection and strengthen your bond with your furry friend. Dog owners who regularly engaged in affectionate behaviors like kissing and cuddling had lower blood pressure and reduced stress levels than those who did not.
5. Speak
Give your dog a voice with the “speak” command! To teach this trick, wait for your dog to bark naturally, then say “speak” and reward them with a treat. Repeat this process until your dog associates the command with barking. You can even teach them to “whisper” by rewarding softer barks.
Speaking on command is not only a fun party trick but also a useful communication tool. It can help you distinguish between playful barking and more serious alerts, allowing you to understand your dog’s needs and behaviors better.
6. Fetch a Specific Toy
Take the classic game of fetch to the next level by teaching your dog to retrieve a specific toy by name. Start by introducing one toy at a time, saying its name as you play. Once your dog is familiar with the toy, place it among a few others and ask them to “fetch [toy name].” Reward them for returning the correct item, gradually adding more toys.
Fetching specific toys impresses your friends and provides mental stimulation for your dog. It helps improve their memory, focus, and problem-solving skills, keeping their mind sharp and engaged.
7. Crawl
Get ready to see your dog in stealth mode with the crawl trick! To teach this low-to-the-ground maneuver, start with your dog in a down position, then lure them forward with a treat held close to the ground. As they inch forward, say “crawl” and reward them for moving while staying low. Gradually increase the distance until your dog is crawling like a pro.
Crawling is a great way to build your dog’s core strength and coordination. It also serves as a foundation for more advanced tricks like rolling over or playing dead, as it teaches your dog to maintain a low, controlled position.
8. Wave
With this charming trick, you can teach your dog to wave hello and goodbye. Start by having your dog sit, then gently lift their paw and say “wave” as you do so. Reward them for allowing you to hold their paw, gradually reducing your physical guidance until they lift their paw independently.
Waving is an friendly way to greet people and helps build your dog’s confidence and social skills. It encourages positive interactions and can even help shy dogs feel more comfortable around new people.
9. Weave through Legs
Add some flair to your walks with the weave trick! To teach your dog to weave through your legs, start by standing with your feet apart and luring them through with a treat. As they pass through, say “weave” and reward them. Gradually increase the number of steps you take, encouraging your dog to follow along.
Weaving is a great way to improve your dog’s agility and body awareness. It also serves as a fun bonding activity, as you and your dog work together to navigate the obstacle course of your legs.
10. Take a Bow
End your dog’s trick routine with a showstopping bow! To teach this elegant move, start with your dog standing, then hold a treat near their nose and slowly lower it towards their chest. Their rear end naturally rises as they lower their head to follow the treat, creating a bowing position. Say “bow” and reward them for holding the pose.
Bowing is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to stretch your dog’s back and shoulders. It helps improve their flexibility and even relieves muscle tension after a long day of play.
11. Hug
Teach your dog to give you a heartwarming hug that will melt your friends’ hearts. Encourage your dog to sit on their hind legs, then gently guide their paws around your neck or waist, saying “hug.” Reward them for holding the position and gradually increase the hug duration.
Hugging is an sweet trick and helps build trust and affection between you and your dog. It’s a great way to show off your strong bond and your dog’s gentle nature. Just be prepared for your friends to request hugs from your furry friend, too!
12. Jump through a Hoop
Add circus-style flair to your dog’s trick repertoire by teaching them to jump through a hoop. Start with a large hoop or a simple jump pole and lure your dog through with a treat. Say “hoop” or “jump” as they successfully jump through and reward them.
Gradually raise the height of the hoop or pole, ensuring your dog is comfortable and confident with each increase.
Jumping through a hoop is a visually impressive trick that showcases your dog’s agility and athleticism. It’s also a great way to provide physical exercise and build your dog’s confidence. Just keep the hoop at a safe height for your dog’s size and ability.
13. Balance a Treat on the Nose
Teach your dog the ultimate test of self-control and patience with the “balance a treat on the nose” trick. Start by having your dog sit or lie down, then place a small treat on their nose and say, “wait” or “balance.”
If they hold still, give the release command (e.g., “okay” or “get it”) and let them catch the treat. Gradually increase the duration of the balance before giving the release command.
Balancing a treat on the nose is an cute trick that helps teach your dog impulse control and focus. It’s a great way to show off your dog’s discipline and obedience and impress your friends with unwavering patience.
14. Salute
Teach your dog to salute like a true patriot. Hold a treat near your dog’s nose, slowly moving it up and back towards their forehead. As they raise their paw to reach for the treat, say “salute” and reward them.
With repetition, your dog will associate the command with the action, and you’ll have a pup ready to honor the flag. Teaching your dog to salute is a crowd-pleaser and a great way to demonstrate obedience and discipline.
15. Peek-a-Boo
Engage your dog in a playful game of peek-a-boo. Teach your dog to cover their eyes with their paws on command by holding a treat near their nose and slowly moving it up towards their eyes.
As they raise their paw to reach for the treat, say “peek-a-boo” and reward them. Gradually increase the duration of the pose before giving the treat. Playing peek-a-boo with your dog is adorable and helps strengthen your bond.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.