4 Great Tricks to Teach Your Dog: Fun & Useful Training Tips

Owning a dog brings endless joy, especially once you've mastered basic obedience. Teaching your dog neat tricks not only adds fun to your bond but also provides practical benefits during walks and daily life. This guide presents four lovely tricks that are enjoyable for both you and your dog while encouraging mental stimulation and confidence.

When teaching new tricks, keep training sessions short and use motivating treats as rewards. Some dogs pick up tricks quickly, while others need more patience. Remember, respect your dog's physical and mental limits to keep training positive and fair.

If you haven't already mastered the fundamental "sit" command with your dog, it's an essential starting point. A well-trained "sit" helps manage your dog in various situations, including road crossings and social interactions, providing you with reliable control.

1. The Commando Crawl

The commando crawl is a delightful trick that lets your dog crawl under obstacles, like low barriers or stiles during countryside walks. It’s practical and fun, letting your dog explore confidently.

Step 1: Ensure Your Dog Can Lie Down

Start by confirming your dog is comfortable with the "lie down" command, as this is a prerequisite for the crawl.

Step 2: Use a Low Treat to Encourage Movement

With your dog lying down, hold a favourite treat close to their nose, slowly moving it forward, low to the ground. Your dog will be tempted to crawl forward rather than stand up.

Step 3: Reward Each Crawl Forward

Praise and reward your dog every time they make a small forward crawl. Gradually increase the crawl distance but keep sessions brief to avoid fatigue.

Tips:

• Use high-value treats for more challenging efforts.
• Be patient; some dogs may need extra encouragement.
• Practice indoors before trying outdoor obstacles.

2. Taking a Bow on Cue

This charming trick involves your dog bowing by lowering their front legs while keeping the back end raised—a signature move that's sure to delight friends and family.

Step 1: Get Your Dog to Stand Facing You

Have your dog stand in front of you and show them a treat.

Step 2: Lure the Front Legs Down

Lower the treat to the ground between their front paws. Your dog’s front end will follow, lowering in a bow while the rear stays up.

Step 3: Add a Verbal Cue and Reward

Say a command like "bow" while your dog assumes the position, then reward and praise generously.

Step 4: Increase Duration and Reduce Treats

Over time, encourage your dog to hold the bow longer and respond to voice commands without a hand lure.

3. Wiping Their Faces

This adorable trick makes your dog wipe their face on command, resembling a hilarious doggy wash routine that's bound to melt hearts.

Step 1: Gently Place a Safe Non-Sticky Item

Use something like a Post-it note lightly placed on their muzzle. Avoid sticky substances that could irritate.

Step 2: Let Your Dog Remove the Note

Your dog will naturally paw or shake to remove the item; reward with treats and lots of praise.

Step 3: Introduce a Command

As your dog starts to associate the action with a cue, say something like "wipe" before placing the note.

Step 4: Phase Out the Note

Once your dog understands the command, you can do the wipe without the Post-it, relying on the voice cue alone.

Warning: Never use adhesives that could harm your dog’s nose or eyes. Always make sure the item is safe and comfortable for your dog.

4. Balancing a Treat on Their Muzzle

This impressive trick demonstrates your dog’s patience and control by balancing a treat on their nose or muzzle until given a release command.

Step 1: Have Your Dog Sit and Focus on You

Gain your dog’s full attention in a calm environment.

Step 2: Place a Mild Treat on the Muzzle

Support your dog's chin and carefully place a small, not overly tempting treat on their muzzle away from the eyes.

Step 3: Reward Even Brief Stillness

Remove the treat after a second or two, rewarding your dog for staying still.

Step 4: Gradually Increase Balance Duration

Build up the time your dog balances the treat and withdraw your hand support gradually.

Step 5: Add a Release Cue

Use a command like "OK" to signal when your dog can flick or catch the treat.

Note: Some dogs might catch the treat before it falls, which is a delightful bonus!

Conclusion

Teaching your dog new tricks enriches your relationship, offers valuable mental exercise, and builds their confidence. Always use positive reinforcement like treats and praise to show your dog how proud you are of their achievements. Remember to keep training sessions enjoyable and respectful of your dog’s limits, making every step a joyful experience.

For those ready to find a new furry friend to train with, consider getting your dog from reputable breeders or adopt from local shelters. Responsible ownership includes starting with good training foundations and continuing to develop your dog’s skills in a safe, encouraging way.