9 Easy Dog Tricks You Can Teach at Home

1. Hand Target

Start with simple behaviors before trying tricks with several steps. Keep sessions to 2 to 3 minutes, use tiny rewards, and never force a movement. AVSAB recommends reward-based training.

Present an open palm near your dog's nose. Say “yes” when they voluntarily touch it, then reward from your other hand. Repeat; once they reliably approach, say “touch” just before presenting your palm. Small, easy-to-eat training treats work better for repeated rewards than dental chews.

2. Find It

Say “find it” as you place a piece of kibble on the floor where your dog can see it. Let them sniff it out without pointing repeatedly or moving them toward it.

Gradually place the food farther away or partly behind an object. Keep searches easy, practice with one dog at a time, and use kibble from their daily food allowance. For variety beyond tricks, try these more easy enrichment ideas.

3. Shake

With your dog sitting comfortably, hold a treat in a closed fist near their chest. Say “yes” and reward even a small voluntary paw lift. If they only sniff or become frustrated, pause rather than waiting them out.

Progress to an empty, open hand and reward a gentle paw touch without grabbing their leg. Add “shake” before offering your hand once they understand. If sitting is still difficult, start with basic commands.

4. Spin

On a nonslip surface, hold a treat at your standing dog's nose height and slowly guide them through a wide circle. Reward a partial turn if a whole circle is too much.

Build toward one complete turn, then say “spin” before guiding them. Replace the food lure with a smaller hand signal while still rewarding afterward. Skip tight or repeated turns. Choose a less physical trick if your dog has mobility limits or seems uncomfortable.

5. High Five

Once your dog understands shake, offer your palm vertically instead of facing upward. Keep it low enough that your seated dog can reach without stretching.

Say “yes” and reward a voluntary paw touch, even if it is brief. Add “high five” just before presenting your hand once the new position makes sense. Never pull the paw upward or ask your dog to balance on their hind legs.

6. Settle on a Mat

Use a mat you already own. Reward your dog for stepping onto it, then for sitting or lying down if they offer that comfortably.

Place treats between their front paws during brief calm pauses. Gradually lengthen those pauses, add a cue such as “mat” before they step on, and use “free” to end practice. Going to a mat and relaxing there are different skills. The relaxing part usually takes more practice, so do not expect an instant off switch.

7. Fetch

Choose a familiar toy too large to swallow. Reward interest in it or picking it up, then toss it only a foot or two.

Encourage your dog back and offer a treat in exchange for the toy. Say “drop” as they release it; with practice, say it just before offering the trade. Do not chase them or pull the toy away. Build distance slowly and supervise play. Some dogs enjoy finding a toy more than returning it.

8. Bow

Watch for a natural play bow: front end down, rear end up. Say “yes” as it happens and reward. Or slowly guide a treat from your standing dog's nose toward the floor between their front paws.

Reward a small lowering of the chest while their rear stays up. Add “bow” before the movement once it is familiar. Never hold their hips up. Stop if they seem stiff or reluctant, and contact your vet about new or persistent stiffness.

9. Roll Over

This is optional, not a graduation requirement. Try it only if your dog is comfortable lying down and resting on their side, on a soft, nonslip surface.

Slowly guide a treat toward their shoulder. Reward stages: a head turn, lying on their side, then a voluntary roll. Add the cue once the movement is familiar. The AKC's roll-over instructions also break it into stages. Never push your dog over. Skip it for mobility concerns, and watch for signs your dog needs a break.