5 Awesome Tricks to Teach Your Dog (That’ll Impress Everyone)
Training doesn’t stop at “sit” and “stay.” Once your pup masters the basics, it’s time to take it to another level with some fun tricks that are equal parts adorable and impressive.
Not only do tricks mentally stimulate your dog, but they’re also great for boosting confidence and strengthening your bond
Here are 5 awesome tricks to teach your dog — with simple steps to get started today!
1. Shake (or Paw)
Why it’s awesome: It’s cute, classic, and an easy crowd-pleaser. Great for beginner trick training!
How to Teach:
Ask your dog to sit.
Gently pick up one paw and say “Shake” or “Paw.”
Reward with a treat and praise.
Repeat until your dog starts lifting the paw on their own.
Add your cue word once they get the motion.
💡 Pro Tip: Be consistent about which paw you teach first!
2. High Five
Why it’s awesome: A fun upgrade from “shake” that adds flair — and looks great in selfies.
How to Teach:
Start with the “Shake” trick.
Hold your hand palm-up and say “High Five.”
Encourage your pup to lift their paw to tap your hand.
Mark and reward every time the paw touches your palm.
Build from low taps to full-on high fives!
3. Spin
Why it’s awesome: Energetic, fun, and a great warm-up move before training sessions.
How to Teach:
Hold a treat near your dog’s nose.
Slowly lure them in a circle (clockwise or counterclockwise).
Once they complete the circle, say “Spin” and reward.
Practice both directions to avoid muscle imbalance!
💡 Tip: Add a cue word once your dog is reliably spinning with the hand lure.
4. Play Dead (a.k.a. Bang!)
Why it’s awesome: Theatrical, hilarious, and a real party trick.
How to Teach:
Ask your pup to lie down.
Hold a treat near their head and lure them to roll onto their side.
Say your cue word like “Bang!” or “Play dead”
When they hold the side position for a second or two, reward.
Increase the time and dramatics as they learn!
🎬 Optional drama: Point your finger like a “bang” for an Oscar-worthy finish.
5. Roll Over
Why it’s awesome: It’s a showstopper! It’s playful, dramatic, and makes for the perfect party trick.
How to Teach:
Ask your dog to lie down.
Hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it toward their shoulder — the goal is to get your pup to roll onto one hip.
Once your dog is leaning onto one hip, continue guiding the treat over their back so they have to roll to follow it.
As soon as they roll all the way over, say “Roll Over” (or your cue word) and reward with praise + treat.
Break it down if needed: first reward for hip movement, then half-roll, then full roll. Be patient!
BONUS: Sit Pretty
Why it’s awesome: It’s irresistibly cute and helps build your dog’s core strength and balance.
Safety Note: Avoid teaching this to dogs with joint or back issues.
How to Teach Sit Pretty:
Ask your dog to sit squarely.
Slowly lift the treat up and slightly back — not too high or they’ll jump.
As their front paws leave the ground, say “Sit Pretty” (or your cue), and reward as soon as they balance — even if it’s just for a second.
At first, reward the moment they lift paws. Gradually increase how long they balance before treating.
In the beginning, I used my arm as a support for Bosley. I’d gently place my arm in front of him, and he would lift his front paws onto it — that alone earned a reward! As he got more comfortable, I slowly started to remove my arm to see if he could balance on his own, even just for a second or two. Any attempt to hold the position without help was praised and rewarded.
Over time, I’d stretch how long he needed to balance before rewarding, always making sure to keep it fun and pressure-free. Eventually, he no longer needed my arm at all.
It’s important to remember that dogs need to build the core strength and muscle control for this trick — it doesn’t happen overnight. It actually took Bosley about two months to master Sit Pretty completely on his own. But now? It’s his favorite trick to show off (especially when he wants attention). Last I checked, he could balance for a full 60 seconds - no sweat.
✅ Training Tips for Success
Keep sessions short & sweet (5–10 minutes max)
Use high-value treats your pup loves
Be patient — each dog learns at their own pace
End on a win so your dog stays excited for the next round
Have fun and celebrate even the smallest steps!
Final Woof
Teaching your dog tricks isn’t just about showing off — it’s a fun way to challenge your pup, keep them mentally sharp, and create moments of joy and laughter together.
Whether you’re going for “shake” or the spinning around in circles, your dog will love the time spent learning with you.