My timid pup Kona might not be yellow, but she’s the best trickster around. We’ve worked hard together on training, and I’ve watched her grow more confident and capable with every new skill. So I’m sharing 20 of our favorite tricks to try at home!
Showtime
Bust out the best party tricks.
6. Roll over
7. Play dead
8. Speak
9. Sit pretty
10. Spin
Functional
Make life a little easier.
11. Up
Encouraging dogs to jump on things can help build confidence.
12. Down
If your dog has a jumping problem it’s helpful for them to know when it’s ok and when it’s not.
13. Place
Have a designated spot for your dog to go to when needed, and help them understand what to do when they need to get out of the way.
14. Put away toys
Great mental stimulation for your pup as well as cleaning the clutter of toys that seem to accumulate instantaneously
15. Quiet
Some dogs are vocal by nature. It’s good to teach them how to be quiet as a trick rather than a consequence.
Bond Builders
Set yourself and your best friend up for success.
16. Look at me
Eye contact is really important for building a strong connection and ensuring that you have your dog’s attention.
17. Touch
A cute and subtle way for your pup to gain your attention
18. Middle
Having your dog be able to sit between your legs is useful in many ways, but most notably to help your pup feel protected in crowded spaces
19. Settle
Some dogs find it hard to relax, by rewarding them when they finally are able to calm down they will be more likely to be able to soothe themselves in the future.
20. Heel
Having your pup attached to your hip is not only important for road safety, but if they can stay by your side amidst the scary noises and distractions then you are sure to have their trust. This also allows for more possible adventures to go on together!
Ok, so you might be thinking this is all good and fun for Kona and me, but, what I hear a lot: “My dog could never.” So trust me: they can! And so can you. Teaching and learning new tricks might sound intimidating. Start with the basics, and find the fun and benefits in bonding with your dog. Add in some party tricks, and you’ll be hooked!
Not sure where to start? Check out my personal favorite dog training resources: The Art of Raising a Puppy and OutBoundDogs on TikTok.
by YellowDog.