10 Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog in 1 Day

Dogs are incredibly intelligent creatures that thrive on mental stimulation and enjoy learning new tricks and commands. A well stimulated and disciplined dog is a happy dog! Teaching your dog tricks can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend. Here are 10 easy tricks you can teach your dog in just 1 day.

10 Easy Dog Tricks

If you've got a new dog, some of these are basic commands that you'll want to teach straight away, if they don't already know them, whilst others are more fun tricks. 

Remember that patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency are key when teaching your dog tricks. Keep training sessions short and fun, and always use rewards and praise to motivate and reinforce good behavior.

1. Sit

The "sit" command is one of the fundamental commands that every dog should know. It's easy to teach, and most dogs can learn it quickly.

How to Teach the 'Sit' Command

1. Start by holding a treat close to your dog's nose, then slowly raise it above their head.
2. As your dog follows the treat, their bottom will naturally lower to the ground.
3. As soon as they sit, reward them with the treat and praise.
4. Repeat this several times until your dog associates the word "sit" with the action.

2. Stay

"Stay" is another important command for your dog's safety and discipline.

How to Teach the 'Stay' Command

1. Begin by having your dog sit.
2. Open your palm towards them and say "stay" while taking a step back. If they stay in place, reward and praise them.
3. Gradually increase the distance and duration as your dog gets more comfortable with the command.

3. Shake Hands

Teaching your dog to shake hands is a charming trick that's sure to impress your friends and family.

How to Teach the 'Shake Hands' Command

1. Hold a treat in your closed fist and present it to your dog.
2. Most dogs will instinctively paw at your hand to get to the treat. When they do, say "shake" as you catch their paw, and reward them with the treat.
3. Practice until your dog readily extends their paw when you say the command.

4. Lie Down

You can teach your dog to lie down by using treats in a similar manner to the "sit" training.

How to Teach the 'Lie Down' Command

1. Hold a treat close to their nose and then lower it to the ground, leading your dog to follow it with their body.
2. As they lie down, say "down" and give them the treat.
3. Repeat this process until your dog reliably responds to the command.

5. Roll Over

Rolling over is a cute and fun trick that can be taught in small steps.

How to Teach the 'Roll Over' Command

1. Begin with your dog in a "down" position.
2. Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it in a circular motion towards their shoulder.
3. Your dog will likely follow the treat and roll over onto their side. As they do, say "roll over" and reward them.
4. With practice, your dog will learn to complete the full roll.

6. Spin

Teaching your dog to spin is both entertaining and relatively easy.

How to Teach the 'Spin' Command

1. Start by holding a treat close to your dog's nose and then move it in a circular motion in the direction you want them to spin.
2. As they follow the treat, say "spin" and reward them when they complete the turn.
3. Practice this trick until your dog can spin on command.

7. High-Five

The high-five trick is an extension of "shake hands."

How to Teach the 'High-Five' Command

1. After your dog has mastered shaking hands, raise your hand higher and say "high-five."
2. Your dog will learn to give you a high-five with their paw.

8. Speak

Teaching your dog to speak on command can be a fun way to engage their vocal skills.

How to Teach the 'Speak' Command

1. Start by holding a treat near their nose but just out of reach.
2. When they bark or make a noise in an attempt to get the treat, say "speak" and reward them.
3. With practice, your dog will understand the command.

9. Leave It

"Leave it" is an important command for your dog's safety. This command can be used to prevent your dog from picking up harmful objects on walks, or to stop them from eating food that may harm them.

How to Teach the 'Leave It' Command

1. Place a treat in your closed hand and present it to your dog.
2. When they show interest in the treat but do not attempt to take it, say "leave it" and reward them with a different treat.

10. Come

The "come" command is essential for ensuring your dog's safety and control in various situations.

How to Teach the 'Come' Command

1. Start by getting down to your dog's level and calling their name followed by "come."
2. When they come to you, reward them with praise and a treat.
3. Gradually increase the distance between you and your dog as they become more proficient with the command.

With these 10 easy tricks, you and your dog can bond and have a blast while learning together. Pick up some Inkopious dog apparel to make your training sessions even more fun! Happy training!

Photo: @tinygreentoes