Once your dog has mastered the basic commands, it’s time to teach them some exciting new tricks. Dogs love learning new skills, especially when they have treats as a reward. It’s important to have many treats on hand while training your dog because it’s a great motivator to complete the task. It’s essential to give them the treat immediately after completing the task so that they associate the behavior with receiving food. Remember to keep your training sessions around 10 minutes long, otherwise, your dog may get bored or distracted.
Here are 6 fun tricks to teach your dog:
Trick #1. Paw
Start with your dog in a sitting position while holding a treat in your hand, making a fist, so they can smell it. Naturally, your dog will start to paw at your hand to try to get the treat. As soon as your dog’s paw touches your hand, give them the treat while giving them positive praise. Repeat this process several times and add the verbal command.
Trick #2. Shake
Start with your dog in a sitting position and hold out a treat in your hand. Repeat the phrase “shake hands” and tap your dog’s foot with your free hand. Once your dog raises their paw to tap your hand, grab it with your free hand and say the phrase “shake hands.” This will help connect the behavior with the command. Repeat this process several times.
Trick #3. Spin
Start with your dog in a sitting position while holding a treat in front of its nose. Slowly move your hand to the side of your dog’s head so that their head follows the treat. Continue to move the treat around their head so that they have to spin. Once your dog has made a complete circle give them the treat and add the command “spin.” Repeat this process several times.
Trick #4. Kiss
Since dogs love to lick, this can be a more difficult trick for your dog to learn. Although it may be difficult, it can help prevent unwanted licking. Hold a treat on your own cheek and say the command “kiss.” Move your cheek closer to your dog and wait until they lick your face and give them the treat. If you do this quickly enough, you can teach your dog to tap your cheek with their nose to get the treat. Repeat this process several times.
Trick #5. Speak
This is a fun trick to teach your dog but can be difficult if your dog barks frequently. If your dog barks excessively, you may have to teach them the “quiet” command before learning the “speak” command. Once your dog barks naturally, clearly say the word “speak” and give them a treat as a reward. Repeat this process several times.
Trick #6. Roll Over
Start with your dog in a down position and hold a treat over their nose. Slowly move your hand toward their shoulder so that they have to turn their head. Continue to move the treat until your dog is laying on its side. Move the treat all the way around so your dog has to roll over. Once your dog completes the trick, give them a treat immediately and add the verbal command “roll over.” Repeat this process several times.
