Training Talk: Two Easy Dog Tricks You Can Teach Your Dog

2 Easy Dog Tricks


Teaching dog tricks is a wonderful way to enhance the bond with your pet as well as refining his skills and keeping his mind active.


Dogs love to learn and enjoy the chance to problem solve.
Moreover, many people find that teaching their dog to “Shake” or “Sit Up” is more fun and upbeat than teaching basic manners like “Sit Stay” or “Drop It”. This takes the pressure off both you and your dog and makes for a lively training session that feels more like a game than a lesson. Using Positive Reinforcement Training, we can easily teach your old dog some new tricks.

One trick everybody loves is “Play Dead”.
Just like Cops and Robbers when you were a kid, use your hand to create a fake gun and the cue “Bang!” and watch your dog drop to the floor and roll on his side. Begin with your dog in the down position. If he doesn’t know the verbal cue for down yet, use a Dog Treat to lure him to the floor.

Once there, use gentle pressure to roll your dog on to his side. Say “Bang!” and give lots of dog treats. Release your dog with “Ok” (remember you always want to give your dog on and off switches when teaching any behavior) and repeat. Gradually extend the amount of time your dog is on his side until he can maintain the behavior for 20 or 30 seconds.

Now that Fido is beginning to understand that “Bang!” means drop to the floor and roll over on your side, try cueing him in different locations like outside in the grass or in the dining room. Dogs are contextual so if you teach your dog new skills in the living room and then ask him to perform that behavior in a different location it can be confusing. By changing location, you are expanding your dog’s understanding of the cue.

Organic Dog Training Treats

Above: These Organic Dog Training Treats from Full Moon are perfect for dog training, or just for rewards. Our pets love them!

Another favorite dog trick is, of course, “Shake”.
You can add a twist to this old standby when you teach your dog the difference between left and right. Trust me, your friends will be amazed! Start by picking up your dog’s paw and giving him a treat. Once he’s comfortable he’ll most likely start offering his paw to you. At this point, add your verbal cue “Shake,” “Paw” or even better “Shake Left” or “Shake Right” and pick up the appropriate paw and give a treat. Help ensure your dog’s success by focusing on one paw at a time.

When Fido has a solid understanding of “Shake Left” then you can teach him “Shake Right”. Initially, you may find that your dog has a difficult time making the transition (remember, dogs are contextual). Don’t get discouraged, just start from the beginning and Fido will catch on quickly.

Teaching tricks is a fun, lighthearted way to interact with your dog. You’ll learn new ways to communicate with your pooch while stimulating his mind and keeping him active and alert. Plus, you’ll have a great way to entertain your friends and family when you’re through.


Ready for some more training fun? Read How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch and how to Play Tug With Your Dog. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to have tons of fun with your dog.