5 Dog Tricks You Need to Try (Because Your Pup Is a Genius)
So, you’ve got a dog! Cute, loyal, and (sometimes) smarter than they let on.
Dogs love to learn, and teaching them tricks is more than just showing off at family gatherings—it keeps their brain sharp, builds your bond, and tires them out. (A tired dog = a peaceful house. You’re welcome.)
Here are five tricks every dog owner should try. Whether your pup’s a seasoned pro or just figuring out how to sit without falling over, these tricks are a must-try.
1. The Classic High-Five
Why teach a high-five? Because it’s adorable. Also, it’s surprisingly easy to learn. And let’s face it: nothing says, “My dog’s cooler than yours” like a high-five.
How to Teach It:
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Join The Club Today! 🐾- Start with your dog sitting. (This part is non-negotiable. No high-five while they’re mid-zoomie.)
- Hold a treat in your hand and let them sniff it.
- Move your hand slightly upward to encourage them to paw at it.
- As soon as their paw touches your hand, say “high-five!” and give them the treat.
Keep practicing until they do it without the lure. Pro tip: Once they’ve nailed it, up your game with “fist bumps.” Because your dog deserves to be trendy.
2. Spin in a Circle
This one’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, watching your dog twirl around like a tiny tornado is guaranteed to make you smile.
How to Teach It:
- Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move it in a circle around their body.
- As they follow the treat, their body will naturally spin.
- Say “spin!” just as they complete the circle, and give them the treat.
With practice, they’ll twirl on command. Bonus trick: Teach them to spin in the opposite direction for a double performance.
3. Play Dead (The Dramatic Flop)
Nothing screams Oscar-worthy performance like your dog collapsing on command. It’s funny, it’s impressive, and your pup gets to show off their acting skills.
How to Teach It:
- Start with your dog lying down.
- Hold a treat near their nose, then slowly move it toward their side.
- As their head follows the treat, their body will naturally roll over.
- Say “bang!” or “play dead!” as they flop onto their side.
Reward them with a treat and lots of praise. Pro tip: Add a finger “gun” gesture for the full Wild West effect.
4. Fetch (Yes, Even for Non-Fetchers)
Some dogs fetch naturally, while others stare at you like, “You threw it, you get it.” But teaching fetch is worth it—it’s great exercise and a total energy-burner.
How to Teach It:
- Start with a toy your dog already loves.
- Toss it a short distance and encourage them to chase it.
- When they pick it up, use a command like “bring it!” and show them a treat.
- Trade the treat for the toy once they come back to you.
Keep practicing until they get the hang of bringing it back without bribery. If they’re extra stubborn, you might need to use a little patience (or invest in one of those ball-launcher machines).
5. Roll Over
Classic and cute, “roll over” is a must-have in your dog’s trick arsenal. Plus, it’s just plain fun to watch them show off their gymnastic skills.
How to Teach It:
- Start with your dog lying down.
- Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it toward their shoulder.
- As they follow the treat, their body will naturally start to roll.
- Say “roll over!” as they complete the motion and reward them with a treat.
Keep sessions short to avoid frustration, and soon, they’ll be rolling like a pro. Bonus: Combine “play dead” with “roll over” for an even more impressive routine.
Final Thoughts
Teaching your dog tricks isn’t just about showing off at parties (though that’s a perk). It’s a way to bond, exercise their mind, and keep them happy. Start small, use plenty of treats, and don’t stress if it takes a few tries—dogs learn at their own pace.
Whether your pup masters all five or just perfects the high-five, the process is what matters. After all, who’s a good dog? (Hint: it’s always them.) 😊
I’ve spent 10+ years in dog training, digging into what makes dogs (and their humans) tick. At Smart Dog Learning, I share my no-nonsense, fun approach to training so you can enjoy life with a well-behaved, happy pup—no boring lectures, just practical results 😉
