Teaching your dog new tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. It strengthens your bond, provides mental stimulation for your dog, and can even improve their behavior. You don’t need to be a professional dog trainer to achieve great results. With a little patience and consistency, you can teach your dog some impressive tricks right in the comfort of your own home. Here are five easy tricks to get you started:

1. Shake

Shaking hands, or paws, is a classic dog trick that’s surprisingly simple to teach. Start by holding a treat in your closed fist. Let your dog sniff and paw at your hand. When they lift their paw, say “Shake,” open your hand, give them the treat, and offer praise. Repeat this process several times until your dog starts to associate the command “Shake” with lifting their paw. Eventually, you can phase out the treat and simply use the verbal cue.

Dog shaking paw with owner during home training

2. Sit

Teaching your dog to sit is one of the most fundamental commands and forms the basis for many other tricks. Hold a treat in front of your dog’s nose and slowly move it backwards and slightly upwards, over their head. As their nose follows the treat, their rear end will naturally lower into a sitting position. As soon as they sit, say “Sit,” give them the treat, and praise them enthusiastically. Repeat this several times until your dog understands the connection between the word “Sit” and the action.

Dog sitting and receiving a treat as a reward during training

3. Stay

Once your dog has mastered the “Sit” command, you can move on to “Stay.” Have your dog sit, then hold your hand up in front of them, palm facing outwards, and say “Stay.” Initially, only hold the stay for a few seconds, then release them with a cue like “Okay” and give them a treat. Gradually increase the duration of the stay, rewarding them for remaining in position.

Dog performing the "stay" command during home training

4. Lie Down

Teaching your dog to lie down can be achieved by using a similar method to the “Sit” command. With a treat in your hand, lure your dog down by moving your hand slowly towards the floor, in front of their paws. As they lower themselves down, say “Down,” give them the treat, and offer praise. Consistency is key to helping your dog learn this trick.

Dog lying down, lured by a treat during training

5. Play Dead

“Play Dead” is a fun and impressive trick that builds on the “Lie Down” command. Once your dog is lying down, gently roll them onto their side while saying “Play Dead.” Hold this position for a few seconds, then reward them with a treat and praise. With repetition, they will learn to associate the command with the action.