How to teach your dog fun tricks

Getting started

As with any new habit, practice makes perfect...but so does patience. Here are a few things to consider before you embark on your dog trick adventure:

• Choose a setting your dog is familiar with
• Soft surfaces are best for rolling-based tricks
• Keep the sessions short, fun, and relaxed
• Repetition helps embed new behaviours
• End on a high note by rewarding your dog

When it comes to teaching new tricks, positive reinforcement is the magic word. This is where you reward your dog for performing the desired behaviour with a healthy dog treat or by giving them their favourite toy, a positive acclamation, or a good old cuddle.

How to teach your dog to roll over

In the same way that we can't run before we can walk, dogs can't roll over before they can lie down. So use a treat to lure them towards the ground and once they're on the floor say 'down' and give them the treat. When they've mastered 'down', hold another treat by their nose, move it towards their shoulder, and then further round their body. In trying to follow the treat your dog should naturally roll onto their side. Move the treat to their other side so they have to roll over to see it. Once your dog's completed a full roll, say 'roll over' and give them the treat.

Why is this useful? Teaching dog tricks is a great way to bond and connect with your dog as it's time put aside where you've both got each other's undivided attention.

How to teach your dog to sit

Stand in front of your dog and hold a treat by their nose. Move the treat over their head towards their tail. As they move their head to follow the treat, their bottom should touch the floor. Once this happens, say 'sit' and give them the treat.

Why is this useful? This trick is a great lesson in obedience. Obeying this command will help keep your dog safe when your walk involves crossing busy roads.

How to teach your dog to paw

While your dog is sitting, show them you're holding a treat, then close your hand so they can no longer see it. Wave the hand with the treat in front of their nose so they can smell it. Your dog should lift a leg to try to open your fist. Once this happens, say 'shake' or 'high five' and then open your fist and give them the treat.

Why is this useful? Dogs are naturally inquisitive. This trick forces them to use their senses which will keep them stimulated. Shaking their paw is also a great bonding exercise.

How to teach a dog to play dead

To master this trick follow the directions for 'How to teach your dog to roll over' but stop once your dog is lying on their side or on their back. At this point, say 'play dead' and give them the treat as a reward.

Why is this useful? As well as being a fun trick to impress friends, the ability to play dead makes it easier for you - or a vet - to check your dog's paws or tummy should the need arise.

How to teach your dog to spin

Let your dog see - and smell - that you have a treat in your hand. Hold the treat above their head and move your hand in a large circular motion. As they follow the treat with their head they should complete a 360 degree turn. If so, say 'spin' and give them the treat.

Why is this useful? It's in your dog's nature to please you so once they've mastered the spin they'll happily do it again and again - which has the added benefit of getting them up and active.

How to teach your dog to bow

While your dog is standing, hold a treat by their nose and slowly lower it to the floor by their front paws. Once they bend their front legs to get nearer to the treat, say 'bow' and give it to them.

Why is this useful? Your dog will enjoy having a good old stretch.

The only question now is which dog trick will you try first?

You can get more advice on dog training behaviour here, or pop into your local Pets at Home store to speak to one of our pet care advisors for healthy treat tips or simply to show them your dog's new tricks.