21 Easy Dog Tricks for First-Time Owners
Aside from obedience, training your dog is about bonding, having fun, and keeping them mentally sharp. It doesn’t matter if your pup is a beginner or already knows a few tricks; these fun commands will keep them entertained. Grab some treats, be patient, and enjoy the process!
Sit – The Starter Pack of Tricks
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This one’s a classic. It’s also the easiest trick to teach and incredibly useful in everyday life. Holding a treat above their head usually does the trick—literally. They’ll naturally plop down. Just don’t forget to praise them like they just won a doggy Nobel Prize.
Down – For When They Need to Chill
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Getting your pooch to lie down is super practical. Start with them sitting, then lure their nose to the floor with a treat. They’ll eventually flop down, and that’s your moment to celebrate. Bonus: This trick makes your pet look like a well-behaved genius.
Stay – The Ultimate Patience Test
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Some dogs nail this instantly; others act like they have the attention span of a goldfish. Start with small steps – literally. Tell them to stay, take a step back, and reward. Increase distance over time. Soon enough, they’ll hold still even when the pizza delivery guy arrives.
Give Paw – Shake Hands Like a Gentleman
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Nothing melts hearts faster than a pup politely offering a paw. Hold a treat in your hand and wait for them to paw at it, then give them their prize. It won’t take long before they start offering their paw to everyone, including strangers who never asked for it.
High Five – Because Dogs Can Be Cool, Too
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Here’s a leveled-up “give paw” trick. Once they’ve mastered the handshake, slowly start raising your hand higher. After a while, they’ll boop your palm like they’re celebrating a job well done. This is the perfect party trick for impressing friends or celebrating a good fetch session.
Stop – For When They’re About to Do Something Dumb
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Dogs get zoomies, chase squirrels, and don’t always make the best life choices. Teaching “stop” can save them from running into traffic or jumping on guests. Start on a leash, say “stop,” and reward when they freeze. It’s like hitting the pause button on their chaos.
Nudge – A Gentle Boop on Command
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This one’s just plain cute. Hold a treat near your nose, and your dog will instinctively boop it with theirs. Once they do this, give them their prize immediately. Before you know it, they’ll be giving you little nose nudges like they’re whispering secrets. Too adorable to handle!
Lie Head Down – Perfect for Dramatic Effect
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If your pooch is a drama queen, teach them this trick. Lure their head to the ground with a treat and reward once they rest it fully. Suddenly, they look all moody and poetic, like they’re reflecting on life’s big questions. This trick is great for photos and makes them seem extra sophisticated.
Jump – For the Sporty Pups
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Some dogs love to jump; some need a little encouragement. Use a treat or toy to entice them. Start small, and work your way up. Just don’t turn your living room into an obstacle course unless you want your couch used as a launch pad.
Into the Collar – Helping You Get Out the Door Faster
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Tired of chasing your pet just to put their collar on? Teach them to willingly stick their head through. Let them sniff it first, then offer treats through the opening. Before long, they’ll be diving into it like it’s a portal to adventure (which, technically, it is).
Floor Target – For Dogs Who Like to Step on Things
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For this trick, you need to find a small object like a book and get your pup to place a paw on it. Reward immediately. Soon enough, they’ll step onto it like it’s their personal podium. It’s the perfect setup for a “King of the Mountain” moment.
Twist – Spin Like a Pro
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Hold a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it in a circle. Boom—they are now spinning! Keep practicing, and soon, they will twirl on command like a tiny, four-legged ballerina. It’s also a great party trick to show off their fancy footwork.
Walk Backwards – Moonwalking, but for Dogs
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This trick is usually a no-brainer for dogs. Start by walking toward them, and they’ll naturally step back. Reward and repeat. With practice, they’ll be gliding backward like they’re in a canine Michael Jackson tribute.
Between the Legs – A Cool Walking Trick
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Get ready to look like a pro dog trainer with this one! Start by luring your pup between your legs with treats, then encourage them to follow you. Before you know it, they’ll be weaving between your legs like they’re training for a doggy dance competition.
Wave – Like They’re Saying “Hey There!”
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If your dog already knows “high five,” this one’s a breeze. Just ask for a paw, but don’t make contact—reward when they lift it. Soon, they’ll be waving at you like they’re royalty, acknowledging their loyal subjects, showing off their charm, and demanding even more well-earned treats.