The Best Dog Tricks for Beginners

There's nothing quite like the boundless joy and unconditional love that our Fluffy Friends bring into our lives.

However, beyond their adorable faces and wagging tails, dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures, capable of learning new tricks that will leave you in awe.

In this blog, we embark on an exciting journey into the world of canine brilliance as we uncover the Best Dog Tricks that even beginners can do.

These cool tricks will make you appreciate the incredible abilities of our four-legged pals.

If you’re just beginning your journey with a new puppy, these basic obedience commands not only strengthen your bond but also provide endless hours of fun and mental stimulation.

Let's explore the captivating world of cool dog tricks together.

5 Fun Dog Tricks You Can Do

Why Are Dog Tricks Important?

Dog tricks go beyond mere entertainment; they play a crucial role in the relationship between humans and their canine companions.

These delightful feats of intelligence and obedience hold significant importance in the world of dog ownership.

Firstly, teaching a dog tricks is an excellent form of mental stimulation.

As highly intelligent animals, dogs need mental challenges to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour.

Engaging their minds through training keeps them sharp, focused, and emotionally fulfilled.

Secondly, the process of training strengthens the bond between a dog and their owner.

Training sessions involve positive reinforcement, a little patience, and clear communication.

As a dog learns to trust and rely on their pet parent for guidance, a strong emotional connection forms.

Moreover, dog tricks can enhance a dog's overall well-being.

The sense of accomplishment they feel after mastering a trick boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

Additionally, regular training sessions serve as a healthy outlet for their energy, reducing stress and anxiety levels.

In turn, this can lead to a calmer and happier disposition in dogs.

Teaching tricks also promotes responsible dog ownership.

Training instils discipline and reinforces basic commands, making dogs more obedient and manageable in various situations.

This, in turn, ensures their safety and the safety of others around them.

Furthermore, dog tricks can be a source of joy and amusement for both dog owners and onlookers.

Watching a dog showcase their skills is not only entertaining but also creates positive interactions with others.

This socialisation opportunity is particularly beneficial for shy or anxious dogs, helping them build confidence and trust around unfamiliar people.

With all that said, let’s get started with the 5 easy tricks you can teach your dog:

1. Sit and Stand Up

For the verbal command “sit” do the following steps:

1. Hold yummy treats close to your dog's nose when they’re standing.
   
   
2. Move your hand over your dog's head while keeping the goodie close to their nose.
   
   
3. The dog's rear end will hit the ground as soon as they lift their head to look for the goodie.
   
   
4. Give them lots of praise and the dog treat as soon as they sit.
   
   
5. Do this a few times in quick yet frequent sessions.

Your dog will quickly sit for extended periods because they always receive a treat for doing so.

As they start to sit, add the verbal cue "sit."

Don't say anything before your dog actually sits or they might connect it with the incorrect motion.

Repeat this exercise several times.

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Another easy dog trick is “stand up.”

This trick can be done either by asking your dog to stand up while they’re still seated or by having them stand up using their back legs.

The second trick is more difficult than the first.

1. Let your dog see the treat in your open palm to encourage them to get up from a sitting or reclining down position.
   
   
2. Once they notice it, step back a bit so they would get to their feet to follow it.
   
   
3. As soon as your dog stands up, give them the treat and some praise.
   
   
4. Add the cue word “stand up” after they stand to get the treat.

The second stand up trick entails having them stand on their hind legs to reach the treat.

Do steps A to D and extend your hand further upwards to make them reach for the treat.

Once they’re in a standing position, reward them.

Don’t forget that repetition is key!

Related: 10 Dog Breeds With Low Separation Anxiety

2. Shake Hands and High Five

A fun trick to teach your pooch is “shake hands.”

1. With your dog seated in front of you, say "shake hands" and take one of their front paws in yours.
   
   
2. Give them a tasty treat as well as plenty of praise in return.
   
   
3. Repeat the command now and again while still taking their paw.

A great way to test your dog’s memory is to say "shake hands" without taking their paw after doing this numerous times.

Dog owners should check if their dog would raise their paw on by themselves for a paw shake.

If they don't, keep training until they do.

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Another great trick to teach is “high five.”

1. Close your fist around a small treat and let your pup sniff and lick your hand; gradually, they'll start pawing at it.
2. Give them the tasty treat as soon as they paw at your closed hand, and either use a clicker or say "yes."
3. Repeat this a couple of times before saying “high five.”
4. Open your palm so that your hand will meet their paw after they appear to have achieved this.
5. Continue doing this until they consistently greet your hand with their paw.

3. Go To Bed

The trick “go to bed” is the best way to help your dog settle down for the night.

1. The first step is to set their bed around 6 to 10 feet away from you both.
   
   
2. Say "go to bed" and have them follow you to their bed.
   
   
3. Have them lie down while you reward them.

Do this multiple times over the course of several days.

Having your partner or spouse ready close to the bed with a treat for them is the best way to accomplish this.

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Related: 5 Reasons Why Your Fluffy Friends Should Have Their Own Space

4. Speak and Quiet

For the “speak” trick, be mindful if your dog barks excessively as you wouldn’t want to reward them for this behaviour.

1. Get your dog fired up by choosing a game that they like to play.
   
   
2. Show them the toy or ball.
   
   
3. Once they bark, say "Good dog, speak!"

While you cannot force a dog to bark, you can make them joyful and eager so that they’ll do so.

Repeat the process until your dog starts barking when you say, "Speak."

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Teaching "quiet" is simpler if your dog is already able to “speak”.

It's probably easier for older dogs to learn the trick than younger puppies.

1. If your dog starts barking, say “Quiet”.
2. The moment they stop, even for a short time, give them a reward and repeat the command.

Again, consistently repeat this basic dog training until they perfect it.

Gradually increase their “quiet” time from 3 to 5 seconds.

The speak and quiet tricks help keep a well-behaved dog.

5. Fetch

Some may find “fetch” an easy dog trick to teach, while others may find it difficult.

While other dogs won't ever bring the ball back to you, retrievers and other breeds of dogs are natural fetchers.

One technique to instruct them is to fill a tennis ball with rewards inside. 

1. Make sure your dog can smell their favourite treats inside the ball.
2. Throw the ball so they would chase it.
3. Reward them with a treat once they run after the ball.

Repeat this until they no longer require a treat to chase the ball.

As this trick requires an open area, make sure to bring your handy organiser bag filled with water, toys, and treats for your pup.

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Related: Puppy Obedience Training: What You Should Know

Conclusion

Dog tricks are not merely cute party tricks but an integral part of a dog's life.

They provide mental stimulation, strengthen the bond between owner and pet, promote emotional well-being, encourage responsible ownership, and offer delightful moments to your everyday life.

Let's celebrate the brilliance and potential of our Fluffy Friends by embracing the world of dog tricks!

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