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12 Fun Tricks To Teach Your Dog This Weekend

Teaching new tricks is a great way to bond and keep your pup mentally stimulated. Plus, it’s pretty hilarious to watch them figure it all out. Whether you’re looking to impress friends or just entertain yourself, these tricks are perfect for a weekend training session. Grab some treats, get your dog’s attention and have a blast!

A bulldog extends its paw to a person who is reaching out with their hand. The scene is set indoors on a wooden floor.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.

Shake Hands

A human hand is gently holding a dog's paw against a blurred outdoor background.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.

Teach your dog to offer a paw for a handshake. Start by having them sit, then gently pick up their paw while saying “shake” and give them a treat. Repeat a few times until they get the hang of it. It’s a classic trick that’s always a hit and the perfect way for your dog to meet new friends and show off their polite manners.

High Five

Dog giving woman in a dress its paw.
Photo credit: Pexels.

Take the handshake up a notch with a high five. Have your dog sit, then hold a treat just above their nose and say “high five.” When they lift their paw, touch it with your hand and give them the treat. Your dog will feel like a superstar every time you celebrate with this fun and easy trick. Just don’t leave them hanging!

Play Dead

A brown dog with pointed ears lies stretched out on its side on green grass, wearing a visible collar.
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This dramatic trick is sure to get some laughs. Teach your dog to “play dead” on command by having them lie down and then gently rolling them onto their side while saying “bang” or “play dead.” Reward them with a treat and lots of praise. It’s a bit of doggy theater that will entertain everyone, especially when they nail the timing.

Roll Over

A person gently touching the paw of a resting akita dog in a cozy living room setting with warm lighting.
Photo credit: Pexels.

Roll over is a crowd-pleaser that’s fun for your dog to learn and perform. Start with “lie down” and then guide them into a full roll by moving a treat around their head. Say “roll over” as they follow the treat and give them a reward when they complete the roll.

Spin

A white dog standing on the beach is looking back and biting its tail.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Teach your dog to spin in a circle for a fun and energetic trick. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it in a circle. As they follow the treat, say “spin” and reward them once they complete the turn.

Speak

A husky with a thick fur coat is yawning while sitting on a snowy surface, attached to a chain.
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Get your dog to bark on command by saying “speak” and then rewarding them when they bark. If they’re not barking, you can encourage them by knocking on a door or making a noise. Just be careful – you might unleash a chatterbox!

Fetch

A black and brown dog carries a large stick in its mouth while walking through a grassy park area with trees in the background.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.

Fetch is a classic game that doubles as a trick. Start by throwing a toy a short distance and encouraging your dog to bring it back. Use the command “fetch” and reward them when they return the toy. Soon, you’ll have a fetching pro who’s ready for a game anytime.

Hide and Seek

Dog and woman covering their eyes with their hand and paw.
Photo credit: Pexels.

This trick is a fun way to play with your dog and work on their recall skills. Hide somewhere in your house and call your dog’s name. When they find you, give them lots of praise and a treat.

Wave

A German Shepherd dog sits on a forest path, raising one front paw, with greenery in the background.
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Teach your dog to wave goodbye by having them sit and then lifting their paw slightly. Say “wave” and reward them when they move their paw. It’s a cute trick that makes it look like your dog is saying goodbye.

Balance a Treat on Nose

A person holds a treat above a dog's nose as the dog looks at it attentively.
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This trick requires patience and balance. Have your dog sit, then place a treat on their nose while saying “stay.” After a few seconds, release them with a command like “okay” and let them catch the treat.

Take a Bow

A brown and white dog in the plya bow position outside.
Photo credit: Pexels.

Teach your dog to bow by having them stand and then gently guiding their head and chest down while their rear stays up. Say “bow” and reward them when they hold the position. It’s a great trick to show off after a performance!

Back Up

A small puppy with a red collar stretches to reach the hand of a person standing on a gravel path.
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Teaching your dog to back up is useful and impressive. Stand in front of your dog and step towards them while saying “back up.” When they take a step back, reward them. Keep practicing until they can back up on command.

15 Dogs That Practically Train Themselves

A person stands holding a leash, training a black and white husky puppy that sits on the grass looking up at them.
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Training a dog can be a challenge, but some breeds make it a whole lot easier. These dogs are smart and eager to please, making them quick learners. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or just want a pup that’s easy to work with, these breeds will make you feel like a training pro. They range from playful companions to diligent workers, but each is an absolute dream to train and a well-trained pup makes life so much easier.

Read it Here: 15 Dogs That Practically Train Themselves

How To Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash

A dog with pointed ears holds a yellow leash in its mouth while standing against a white brick wall.
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Training your dog to walk on a leash is essential for day to day life as a dog owner. We’ve all seen people walking down the street being pulled around by their dog. The dog taking the owner for a walk versus the other way around. 

Read it Here: How To Train A Dog To Walk On A Leash

*Select images provided by Depositphotos.