Teach Your Dog New Tricks
Teach your dog simple tricks like sit, shake, and spin using treats, short training sessions, and positive reinforcement to build skills and trust.
Step-by-step guide to Teach Your Dog New Tricks
How to Teach Dog tricks (3 Cool Tricks to Teach Your Dog!) //THE KIND CANINE
Step 1
Ask an adult to help you and stay nearby while you train your dog.
Step 2
Gather your treats leash clicker (optional) and the mat or towel.
Step 3
Choose a quiet spot with few distractions for training.
Step 4
Put the mat or towel down in your quiet spot.
Step 5
Gently bring your dog to stand on or next to the mat.
Step 6
Show one treat to your dog and let them sniff it so they know you have it.
Step 7
Lure your dog into a sit by holding the treat above their nose and moving it back until they sit.
Step 8
Give one treat immediately when your dog sits.
Step 9
Hold a treat in your closed fist near your dogâs paw to encourage them to lift it for a shake.
Step 10
Give one treat immediately when your dog paws your hand.
Step 11
Move a treat in a slow circle near your dogâs nose to guide them to spin in a full turn.
Step 12
Give one treat immediately after your dog completes the spin.
Step 13
Practice three short 5 minute sessions each day for each trick.
Step 14
Gradually use fewer treats and replace them with praise pets and high fives.
Step 15
Share a photo or video of your dogâs new tricks on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a clicker, special treats, or a training mat?
If you don't have a clicker use a consistent verbal marker like "yes", swap special treats for small kibble or cheese pieces, and use a folded towel or rug in place of the mat or towel mentioned in the instructions.
My dog won't sit when I lure them with a treatâwhat should I try?
If your dog won't sit when you hold the treat above their nose and move it back, try lowering the treat closer to their chest, reward any small crouch, move to a quieter spot as in step 3, and shorten the session to keep them focused.
How should we change the activity for younger kids or older children?
For younger children have an adult hold the leash and guide the treat while the child gives praise and one- to two-minute mini-sessions, and for older kids follow the full three short 5-minute sessions, timing practice and gradually replacing treats with praise, pets, and high fives.
How can we make the training more fun or show off our dog's new skills?
After your dog reliably does sit, shake, and spin on the mat, chain the tricks into a short routine on the mat, add a unique verbal cue or hand signal for each move, and film a photo or video to share on DIY.org as suggested.
Watch videos on how to Teach Your Dog New Tricks
How to Train Your NEW Puppy! - 5 Simple Steps
4 Videos
How to Train Your NEW Puppy! - 5 Simple Steps
Teaching Your Dog The Back Up Trick: Tips, Criteria, Strategy
Dog Training for Kids: Teach Your Child to Walk, Feed, and Train a Puppy | Better Kids Better Dogs
Teaching Kids to Interact Safely with Dogs: A Parent's Guide
Facts about dog training and pet care
âąď¸ Aim for 5â10 minute training sessions â short bursts keep your dog's attention and enthusiasm.
đŻ A clicker or a consistent marker word helps your dog know the exact moment they did the right thing.
đś Dogs are social learners and often pick up new tricks faster when sessions are short and fun.
đ§ Teaching tricks builds trust and provides important mental exercise for your dog, not just obedience.
đ Tiny, tasty treats (about the size of a pea) let your dog practice many repetitions without getting full.
How do I teach my dog simple tricks like sit, shake, and spin?
What materials do I need to teach my dog tricks?
What ages of children and dogs is this activity suitable for?
What safety tips should parents follow when kids teach dogs new tricks?
One subscription, many ways to play and learn.
Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required