How to Teach a Dog Tricks: 20 Fun Tricks from Easy to Impressive

To teach a dog tricks, break each trick into small steps, use a high-value treat as a lure, and mark the correct behavior the instant it happens with a clicker or verbal "yes!" Most dogs can learn a new beginner trick in 1-3 sessions (5-15 minutes each). Start with easy wins like shake and spin to build your dog's confidence, then progress to intermediate and advanced tricks over weeks.

Trick training isn't just party entertainment — it's one of the most effective forms of mental enrichment available. A 2022 study published in Scientific Reports found that dogs who engaged in regular cognitive challenges showed fewer signs of age-related cognitive decline. Teaching tricks is essentially brain exercise that keeps dogs sharp, confident, and deeply bonded with their humans.

This guide covers 20 tricks organized from beginner to advanced, with step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting, and tips for success. Part of Snoutique's Dog Training & Behavior Hub — for foundational obedience skills, start with the complete dog training tips guide.

Why Trick Training Matters

Trick training strengthens the human-dog bond more effectively than almost any other activity. Unlike obedience commands (which can feel like work for both parties), tricks are inherently playful. The dog gets treats and excitement. The owner gets a dopamine hit from watching their dog succeed. Both parties enjoy the process.

Beyond bonding, tricks provide three critical benefits:

• Mental stimulation: According to the AKC, 15 minutes of mental work can tire a dog as effectively as 30 minutes of physical exercise. Trick training is one of the most accessible forms of mental enrichment.
• Confidence building: Dogs that learn new skills through positive reinforcement become more confident problem-solvers. Shy or anxious dogs often show remarkable transformation after a few weeks of trick training.
• Impulse control: Many tricks require the dog to hold a position, wait for a cue, or resist grabbing a treat. This impulse control transfers directly to real-life situations — a dog that can "leave it" during a trick can leave a chicken bone on the sidewalk.

Before You Start: Trick Training Fundamentals

Every trick in this guide uses the same basic framework. Master these principles and you can teach your dog virtually anything.

• Use high-value treats. Training treats should be small (pea-sized), soft, and incredibly appealing. Boiled chicken, freeze-dried liver, or string cheese work well. Kibble is usually not motivating enough for trick training.
• Keep sessions short. 5-10 minutes, 2-3 times per day. End every session on a success — even if you have to make it easy.
• Mark precisely. A clicker or verbal marker ("yes!") tells the dog exactly which behavior earned the treat. Timing matters — mark within 1 second of the correct behavior.
• Shape gradually. Don't expect the finished trick in one session. Reward approximations — small steps toward the final behavior. A dog reaching one paw slightly off the ground is the first step toward "shake."
• Train before meals. A slightly hungry dog is a motivated dog.

Difficulty	Tricks	Avg. Sessions to Learn	Prerequisites
Beginner	Shake, Spin, High Five, Touch, Wave, Take a Bow	1-5 sessions	Knows "sit"; basic treat motivation
Intermediate	Roll Over, Play Dead, Speak/Quiet, Crawl, Back Up, Leg Weave, Place	5-15 sessions	Beginner tricks; comfortable with luring
Advanced	Weave Through Legs (walking), Pick Up Toys by Name, Ring a Bell, Skateboard, Open/Close Door, Fetch Specific Items, Tidy Up Toys	15-40+ sessions	Intermediate tricks; strong marker response

Beginner Tricks (1-5 Sessions)

These tricks build on the "sit" command and require minimal physical skill from the dog. They're perfect for building confidence in both the dog and the trainer.

1. Shake (Paw)

The classic. Most dogs naturally lift a paw when puzzled or trying to reach a treat — you're simply capturing and naming that motion.

1. Ask for a sit. Hold a treat in your closed fist at the dog's chest level.
2. Wait. The dog will sniff, lick, and eventually paw at your hand. The instant the paw touches your hand, mark and reward.
3. Repeat 5-10 times until the dog is reliably pawing your hand.
4. Add the cue "shake" just before offering your hand.
5. Transition to an open, empty hand. Reward from the other hand.

Troubleshooting: If the dog doesn't paw naturally, gently tickle the back of their leg at the "wrist" to prompt a lift. Mark and reward any paw movement, even slight.

2. Spin

A visually impressive trick that's surprisingly easy. Use a treat to lure the dog in a tight circle.

1. Hold a treat at the dog's nose level. Slowly move it in a circle, guiding the dog's nose (and body) around.
2. The instant the dog completes the circle, mark and reward.
3. Repeat until the dog follows the lure smoothly.
4. Add the cue "spin." You can teach both directions — "spin" for clockwise, "twist" for counterclockwise.
5. Fade the lure by making a smaller circular hand motion, then just a finger point.

3. High Five

A variation of shake that looks great on camera. Once your dog knows "shake," this takes 1-2 sessions.

1. Hold your palm facing the dog (like a high-five position) instead of offering a closed fist.
2. When the dog reaches up and touches your palm with their paw, mark and reward.
3. Gradually raise your hand higher so the dog reaches up more.
4. Add the cue "high five" when the behavior is reliable.

4. Touch (Nose Target)

Touch is the most versatile trick in your toolkit. The dog learns to boop your open palm with their nose on cue. Once they understand targeting, you can use it to guide the dog anywhere — into a heel position, onto a platform, around obstacles.

1. Present your flat open palm 6 inches from the dog's nose.
2. Most dogs will naturally investigate and touch your hand with their nose. Mark and reward the instant they make contact.
3. Move your hand to different positions — left, right, high, low. Reward each successful touch.
4. Add the cue "touch" once reliable.

5. Wave

Built on "shake" — the dog lifts a paw but you pull your hand away before contact, creating a waving motion.

1. Cue "shake" but hold your hand slightly out of reach.
2. The dog will extend their paw and, when they can't reach you, make a pawing motion in the air.
3. Mark and reward the air-paw motion.
4. Add the cue "wave" and a hand wave gesture.

6. Take a Bow

The dog drops their front end while keeping their rear up — a natural stretch position that looks adorable as a performance trick.

1. Hold a treat at the dog's nose and slowly lower it straight down toward the floor, between their front legs.
2. As the dog follows the treat down, their front end lowers but their rear often stays up. Mark and reward this position.
3. If the dog lies all the way down, you need to catch the "bow" moment earlier — mark before the rear drops.
4. Alternatively, slip your arm gently under the dog's belly to keep their rear up while luring the front down.
5. Add the cue "bow" or "take a bow."

Intermediate Tricks (5-15 Sessions)

These tricks require more physical coordination, longer behavior chains, or impulse control. Most dogs are ready for intermediate tricks after 2-3 weeks of regular beginner practice.

7. Roll Over

A multi-step trick that chains together: down → side → back → opposite side → up.

1. Start in a "down" position.
2. Hold a treat near the dog's shoulder and slowly arc it over their back toward the opposite side. The dog's nose follows the treat, which rolls their body onto their side.
3. Continue the arc until the dog rolls onto their back. Mark and reward any progress — even just going onto a hip is worth celebrating.
4. Over several sessions, extend the lure until the dog completes the full roll.
5. Add the cue "roll over" and fade the lure to a hand signal (a circular motion).

Troubleshooting: Large or stocky dogs may resist rolling over on hard surfaces. Use a carpeted area or yoga mat. Some dogs find rolling vulnerable — build trust with belly rubs first.

8. Play Dead (Bang!)

The dog drops to their side and lies motionless on a "bang" cue — usually accompanied by the owner pointing a finger gun. Crowd favorite.

1. Start in a "down." Lure the dog onto their side (as in the first steps of roll over, but stop at the side).
2. Mark and reward lying flat on the side with head down.
3. Hold the duration — wait 2 seconds, then 3, then 5 before marking.
4. Add the cue "bang!" with a finger gun gesture, or "play dead." The dramatic cue is what makes this trick entertaining.

9. Speak and Quiet

Teaching "speak" on cue gives you control over barking — and pairs naturally with the "quiet" cue covered in the how to stop dog barking guide.

1. Find something that reliably triggers one bark — a squeaky toy, excitement before a walk, the doorbell.
2. Trigger the bark, and the instant the dog barks, mark and reward.
3. Repeat until the dog understands that barking = treat.
4. Add the cue "speak" just before the trigger. Eventually, the verbal cue alone will produce the bark.
5. Once "speak" is reliable, teach "quiet" — cue speak, then wait for silence, mark and reward the silence.

10. Crawl

The dog army-crawls forward on their belly. Great for building core strength and body awareness.

1. Start in a "down." Hold a treat at nose level and slowly slide it forward along the ground.
2. If the dog gets up, the treat was too high or moved too fast. Reset and try again.
3. Mark and reward any forward belly-sliding movement, even an inch.
4. Gradually increase the crawl distance. Add the cue "crawl."

11. Back Up

The dog walks backward in a straight line. Useful for doorways and tight spaces, plus impressive in a trick routine.

1. Stand facing the dog. Take a step toward them. Most dogs will naturally step backward.
2. Mark and reward the backward step.
3. For more distance, practice in a narrow hallway — the walls prevent the dog from turning around.
4. Add the cue "back" or "back up."

12. Leg Weave (Stationary)

The dog weaves through your legs in a figure-eight pattern while you stand still. This is the foundation for the advanced walking weave.

1. Stand with legs wide apart. Lure the dog through your legs from front to back with a treat.
2. Mark and reward when they emerge behind you.
3. Lure them back through the other way, around your opposite leg.
4. Chain the two directions into a figure-eight. Mark at each pass-through initially, then only at the completion of the full figure-eight.
5. Add the cue "weave."

13. Place (Go to Your Spot)

The dog goes to a designated mat or bed and lies down on cue. Technically a behavior skill more than a "trick," but incredibly practical for visitors, mealtimes, and managing barking at the door.

1. Place a mat or towel on the floor. Lure the dog onto it. Mark and reward for all four paws on the mat.
2. Add a "down" on the mat. Reward for lying on the mat.
3. Add distance — send the dog to the mat from 5 feet away, then 10, then across the room.
4. Add the cue "place" or "go to your spot."

Advanced Tricks (15-40+ Sessions)

These tricks require strong foundational skills, longer behavior chains, and in some cases, problem-solving ability from the dog. They're deeply impressive and provide exceptional mental stimulation.

14. Weave Through Legs (Walking)

The dog weaves through your legs as you walk, alternating left and right with each step. The most visually stunning trick in most dogs' repertoire.

1. Master the stationary leg weave first.
2. Take one step forward. Lure the dog through the gap between your legs. Mark and reward.
3. Take another step. Lure through the other side.
4. Chain the steps together. The rhythm is: step → dog weaves through → step → dog weaves through.
5. Gradually speed up. The final product looks like the dog is dancing through your legs as you walk.

15. Pick Up Toys by Name

This trick demonstrates genuine cognitive ability. Research from Eotvos Lorand University found that the average trained dog can learn to differentiate 10-20 named objects, and exceptional dogs (like the Border Collie "Chaser") can learn over 1,000. Start with 2-3 toys and build from there.

1. Start with one toy. Say the toy's name ("get your ball"), and when the dog picks it up, mark and reward.
2. Add a second toy. Place both on the floor. Say the first toy's name. Reward only for picking the correct one.
3. If the dog picks the wrong one, simply don't reward — no correction. Reset and try again.
4. Once reliable with two, add a third. The dog must choose correctly from three options.
5. Add new toys one at a time. Most dogs can reliably differentiate 5-8 named toys with consistent training.

16. Ring a Bell

The dog presses a bell with their nose or paw on cue. Many owners repurpose this trick for potty communication — the dog rings a bell by the door when they need to go outside.

1. Hang a bell at the dog's nose height. Use the "touch" command to target the bell.
2. When the dog touches the bell and it rings, mark and reward with extra enthusiasm.
3. Repeat until the dog confidently noses the bell.
4. Add the cue "ring it" or, for potty bell training, move the bell next to the door and reward each ring with outdoor access.

17. Skateboard

Yes, dogs can skateboard — and certain breeds (Bulldogs especially) seem to genuinely enjoy it. This trick requires weeks of patient shaping.

1. Introduce the skateboard while stationary (wheels locked or on carpet). Reward the dog for sniffing, then touching, then stepping on it with one paw, then two, then all four.
2. Once comfortable standing on the stationary board, allow slight movement. Reward calmly.
3. Shape the dog to push with a back foot. This can take many sessions.
4. Move to a smooth, flat surface. Keep initial rolls very short (1-2 feet).

18. Open and Close a Door

The dog pushes a door closed with their nose or paws, and pulls a rope attached to the handle to open it.

1. Close: Use "touch" targeting a sticky note on the door. Reward pushing the door with increasing force until it closes.
2. Open: Attach a rope or towel to the door handle. Teach the dog to tug the rope (using "tug" or "pull"). Shape the tug until it opens the door.
3. Chain: "close the door" → dog pushes it shut. "Open the door" → dog pulls the rope.

19. Fetch Specific Items

Building on "pick up toys by name" — the dog retrieves a named item and brings it to you. Remote controls, slippers, named bottles from the fridge (with a rope handle). This is service-dog-level skill that any motivated pet dog can learn.

1. Teach a reliable retrieve first: dog picks up object → brings to hand → drops into hand → reward.
2. Name the item using the same protocol as "pick up toys by name."
3. Combine: "bring me the remote" = find the named item + retrieve to hand.

20. Tidy Up Toys

The grand finale. The dog picks up scattered toys and drops them into a toy bin. This chains together fetch, item recognition, and targeting (the bin).

1. Place the toy bin directly in front of the dog. Hand them a toy. Lure their head over the bin. Cue "drop." The toy falls in. Mark and reward with massive enthusiasm.
2. Place the toy on the ground next to the bin. Cue "get it" → dog picks up → lure over bin → "drop."
3. Gradually increase the distance between toy and bin.
4. Add multiple toys. Reward after each toy drops in, then transition to rewarding after all toys are in the bin.
5. Add the cue "tidy up" or "clean up."

Tips for Trick Training Success

These principles apply whether you're teaching trick #1 or trick #20:

• Jackpot unexpected breakthroughs. When the dog suddenly "gets" a new step, give 5-6 treats rapidly in a row with enthusiastic praise. This cements the neural connection.
• Train the dog in front of you, not the dog in the YouTube video. Every dog learns at their own pace. A Poodle might learn tricks in half the sessions a Bulldog needs — and that's fine.
• Vary the location. A trick learned only in the kitchen isn't truly learned. Practice in different rooms, outdoors, and in front of an audience. This is called proofing.
• Chain tricks into routines. Once individual tricks are solid, chain them: sit → shake → high five → spin → bow. Dogs love routines, and a trick sequence is deeply impressive at parties.
• Use both verbal and visual cues. Dogs respond to hand signals even more reliably than verbal commands. Pair each trick with a distinct hand signal for maximum reliability.
• Capture natural behaviors. If your dog stretches after a nap, that's a natural "bow." If they sneeze, that's a natural "achoo" trick. Mark and name the behaviors your dog already does.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Problem	Likely Cause	Solution
Dog loses interest mid-session	Sessions too long or treats not motivating enough	Shorten to 3-5 minutes; upgrade treat value
Dog offers wrong tricks	Confusion between similar cues	Make cues more distinct (different words + different hand signals)
Dog won't try new behaviors	Fear of failure (usually from past correction-based training)	Reward all attempts generously; rebuild confidence with easy wins
Trick works at home but not elsewhere	Not proofed in different environments	Practice in gradually more distracting locations
Dog "forgets" a learned trick	Normal without practice; use it or lose it	Quick refresher session; maintenance practice 1-2x/week
Dog gets frustrated and walks away	Steps too big; not enough reinforcement	Break trick into smaller steps; increase reward rate

For the broader training foundation that makes trick training successful — including positive reinforcement principles, clicker training technique, and puppy-specific guidance — explore the full dog training tips guide.

Gear for the Trick Training Dog Parent

Dog parents who invest time in trick training are building something special — a communication system, a shared language of treats and cues and joyful breakthroughs. Snoutique's premium pet gear is made for exactly this kind of devoted dog parent.

• Pawsome Embroidered Hat — Bold paw print embroidery for the dog parent whose pup can shake, high five, and wave on command. $29.95.
• Dog Mom Embroidered Hat — Real thread embroidery on Yupoong caps. 14 colors, dad hat or trucker cap. $29.95. Wear it to the dog park and watch the compliments roll in.
• Chest Paw Embroidered Hoodie — Heavyweight fleece with subtle paw detail. $49.95-$54.95. The perfect layer for outdoor training sessions.
• Pop Art Dog Canvas — Vibrant, graphic art celebrating your breed. $49.95-$89.95. Hang it in the room where you train together.
• Dog Parent Mug — Premium ceramic with colored interior. $16.95-$22.95. Reward yourself with a coffee while your dog practices "tidy up."
• All-Over Paw Tote — Carry your clicker, treats, and training gear everywhere. $42.95.

Snoutique ships flat rate at $6.99, with free shipping on orders $75 or more. All products are made to order in the USA — crafted when you order, not pulled from a warehouse shelf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teaching Dog Tricks

What is the easiest trick to teach a dog?

"Shake" and "spin" are the easiest tricks for most dogs. Shake leverages a natural pawing motion that most dogs offer within seconds of encountering a closed fist with a treat inside. Spin uses a simple lure in a circle that virtually every food-motivated dog follows immediately. Both can be taught in 1-3 short sessions and provide an instant confidence boost for the dog and the trainer (American Kennel Club, 2024).

Can old dogs learn tricks?

Absolutely. The myth that old dogs can't learn new tricks has been thoroughly debunked by behavioral science. Dogs retain neuroplasticity throughout their lives, and regular cognitive challenges (like trick training) can actually slow age-related cognitive decline. Senior dogs may need shorter sessions (3-5 minutes), softer treats, and physical accommodations (avoid tricks that require rolling or jumping), but they are fully capable of learning new behaviors at any age.

How many tricks can a dog learn?

There's no fixed limit. Research from Eotvos Lorand University documented Border Collie "Chaser" learning over 1,022 named objects and responding to sentences with multiple elements. Average pet dogs regularly learn 20-50 commands and tricks with consistent training. The limiting factor isn't the dog's capacity — it's the owner's consistency and creativity in teaching. Most dogs can realistically learn 2-3 new tricks per month with daily short sessions.

Why does my dog only do tricks when I have treats?

This means the treat is functioning as a bribe (visible before the behavior) rather than a reward (delivered after). The fix: transition from luring (treat visible) to cueing (treat hidden). Once the dog reliably performs the trick with a lure, use an empty hand to give the same gesture, then deliver the treat from your pocket. Then switch to variable reinforcement — rewarding every 2nd, then 3rd, then random performance. Life rewards (play, praise, access to outdoors) also replace food over time.

What are the best breeds for trick training?

All breeds can learn tricks, but some excel due to temperament. Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Australian Shepherds are consistently ranked among the most trainable breeds by the AKC. That said, breed is secondary to individual drive. A motivated Bulldog will outperform a disinterested Border Collie. The best trick dog is the one in front of you — and the best gear for celebrating them is at Snoutique's shop.

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