Teaching your dog new tricks isn’t just about showing off—it strengthens your bond, keeps their mind active, and offers a fun way to spend time together. But let’s be honest, the usual repertoire of “sit,” “stay,” and “shake” can get repetitive. Why not challenge your pup and yourself with something new?
In this post, we’ll explore 12 unique and creative tricks to teach your dog this year. Each trick includes step-by-step instructions and tips for success. Whether you’re training for fun or aiming to impress at the dog park, these tricks are sure to stand out.
Disclaimer: I am not a certified professional; all information provided is based on my personal experience and research. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding your dog, please contact your vet or a certified trainer. This post may include affiliate links. If you choose to purchase from these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchases.
Orbit – Walking Around You Backwards
How to Teach It:
- Start with your dog in front of you and use a treat to guide them into a standard circle around you.
- Once they understand the motion, begin adding the cue “orbit.”
- Gradually introduce a slight push back with your body to encourage backward movement. Reward each step of progress.
Building Blocks:
Orbit builds on basic heeling and circle walking skills. Teaching your dog to heel in different positions (like on your left and right) provides foundational control. A simple “spin” command can also help familiarize them with circular motions.
Versions:
Once your dog masters orbit in one direction, challenge them by teaching it in reverse or in the opposite direction. Combine it with tricks like figure-eights or spins to create more intricate patterns. For advanced fun, incorporate objects like poles or chairs for them to orbit.
Hold an Item in Their Mouth
How to Teach It:
- Begin by offering a lightweight item like a soft toy and rewarding your dog for touching it with their mouth.
- Gradually shape the behavior, rewarding longer holds.
- Add the cue “hold” and eventually transition to other objects.
Building Blocks:
This trick relies heavily on a strong “take it” and “drop it” command. Practicing with soft, familiar toys can help them feel comfortable. Additionally, teaching patience and focus through “stay” ensures they can hold the item longer.
Versions:
Start with toys, but gradually introduce useful objects like a basket or bag. For advanced training, teach your dog to carry specific items and even deliver them to specific locations. You can also combine this skill with tricks like retrieval to teach them to pick up and hold various objects.
Bring You Your Phone
How to Teach It:
- Teach your dog to “fetch” using basic retrieval training.
- Introduce the phone case (or phone-sized object) and reward retrievals.
- Add the cue “phone” and gradually fade out the treat prompts.
Building Blocks:
Retrieval commands like “fetch” and “bring it” are essential for this trick. Practice with lighter, dog-safe items before moving to fragile objects like a phone. A solid “drop it” command is critical to avoid accidents.
Versions:
Once they master fetching the phone, expand to other objects like a remote control or wallet. You can also teach them to recognize specific objects by name, creating a fun and practical skillset.
Pick Up a Dropped Leash
How to Teach It:
- Drop the leash and say “get it” while pointing at the leash. Reward when they touch or pick it up.
- Gradually refine the behavior until they consistently bring the leash to you.
- Add cues like “leash” or “help.”
Building Blocks:
This trick is built on retrieval skills and can benefit from training with items of different textures and weights. Start with something easy to grip and slowly transition to the leash. Reinforce their confidence with frequent rewards.
Versions:
Expand this skill to picking up other everyday items, like keys, bags, or even shoes. You can also combine this with commands like “put it away” for a tidier home!
Jumping Through/Over Arms or Legs
How to Teach It:
- Start by luring your dog over your legs using treats.
- Once comfortable, add the cue “jump” or “through.”
- Raise the difficulty by using your arms or combining arm and leg obstacles.
Building Blocks:
Jumping commands like “over” and “up” are key prerequisites. Training with small hurdles or agility equipment helps build their confidence. A reliable “stay” ensures they won’t jump prematurely.
Versions:
After mastering simple jumps, try incorporating hula hoops or other props for added variety. Teach them to jump through your arms in a circle for a dramatic effect.
Take a Selfie
How to Teach It:
- Teach your dog to place their paws on your shoulder by using treats to guide them.
- Add the cue “selfie” and hold a phone or prop to mimic taking a picture.
- Practice patience while your dog holds the pose.
Building Blocks:
The “up” or “paws” command is a helpful starting point. Building their comfort with physical contact and proximity to your face is crucial.
Versions:
Get creative with accessories like hats or costumes to make your selfies more fun. Teach them variations like resting their head on your shoulder for a cute twist.
Cross Their Paws
How to Teach It:
- With your dog in a “down” position, use a treat to lure one paw across the other.
- Mark the movement with a clicker or verbal praise.
- Add the cue “cross” and practice symmetry with both paws.
Building Blocks:
Start with basic “paw” or “shake” commands to get them used to moving their paws on cue. A solid “stay” is also helpful for maintaining the pose.
Versions:
Once they’ve mastered crossing one paw, teach them to switch paws or alternate crossings. Combine it with tricks like bowing for a more elaborate display.
Shy – Covering Their Face
How to Teach It:
- Place a small piece of tape or a Post-it note on your dog’s nose to encourage pawing.
- Reward when they lift their paw toward their face.
- Add the cue “shy” and remove the prop as they associate the behavior with the word.
Building Blocks:
Teaching your dog to paw at objects like bells or buttons can help build this skill. Focus on reinforcing gentle pawing to avoid frustration.
Versions:
Add variations like using both paws or holding the shy pose longer for photos. Pair it with a head tilt for extra charm.
Hug Your Legs
How to Teach It:
- Use a treat to guide your dog into a “beg” or “sit pretty” position.
- Gradually shape the motion of wrapping their paws around your leg.
- Add the cue “hug” and encourage longer holds with rewards.
Building Blocks:
The “beg” or “sit pretty” command is essential. Teaching balance and core strength through these positions will ensure their success.
Versions:
Teach them to hug other objects like pillows, toys, or even other pets. Pair it with a “kiss” command for a heartwarming display.
Wave to People
How to Teach It:
- Begin by teaching your dog to shake hands or offer a paw.
- Once they’re confident, start holding your hand slightly out of reach. Encourage them to lift their paw higher with a treat lure.
- Add the cue “wave” and practice until they wave consistently without needing your hand close by.
Building Blocks:
A strong “shake” command is foundational for this trick. Working on targeting exercises, where your dog taps their paw on specific objects, can also help refine their movement.
Versions:
Once your dog masters waving, try teaching them to wave with both paws or alternate waves. You can also teach directional waves (e.g., waving to the left or right) for a fun twist.
Balance a Treat on Their Nose
How to Teach It:
- Start by having your dog sit or lie in a calm position.
- Use a lightweight treat, like a small biscuit, and place it gently on their nose while saying “stay.”
- Remove the treat and reward them quickly to build confidence. Gradually increase the time before giving the release cue, like “okay!”
Building Blocks:
A strong “stay” command is essential for this trick, as well as teaching patience through impulse control games. You can practice balancing lighter objects to build their comfort before using heavier treats.
Versions:
Challenge your dog by balancing larger objects, like toys, or teaching them to flip the treat into their mouth as part of the trick. Add fun cues like “catch” or “go” to signal when they can grab the treat.
Put Toys Away
How to Teach It:
- Start by teaching your dog to pick up a toy with their mouth using the “take it” command.
- Place a toy box or basket nearby and guide them to drop the toy inside. Reward heavily when they succeed.
- Gradually add the cue “clean up” and increase the distance from the toy box to make the task more challenging.
Building Blocks:
Retrieval skills, such as “fetch” and “drop it,” are the foundation of this trick. Practicing with small, lightweight toys and working on targeting specific locations with “place it” can help refine their accuracy.
Versions:
Once your dog masters putting away toys, you can expand this trick by teaching them to sort different types of toys into specific bins or to clean up other items like shoes or laundry. Combine this with tricks like “hold” to create a more complex routine.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog new tricks is a rewarding journey that strengthens your bond while keeping their mind sharp. These 12 unique tricks go beyond the basics, offering fun and functional skills that will impress friends and provide enrichment for your pup. With patience, practice, and plenty of treats, you and your dog will have a blast mastering these creative challenges.
Which trick will you start with? Share your training progress and stories in the comments below!