Free Dog Training Guide for Tricks

Teaching your dog tricks can be as rewarding as it is challenging. Patience is key, as dogs respond best to praise, in the form of affection and treats. Some breeds learn faster than others, and younger dogs are generally easier to train because they have yet to form habits. Dogs learn best via repetition. Most breeds can be taught a new trick within a couple of weeks.

Get your dog to sit by holding a treat just over his head. Generally, they will sit naturally. If your dog doesn't sit down, move his backside to the ground by gently pressing on his lower back. Say "Sit" as he sits down. Give your dog treat and a pat on the head. Repeat this three more times, then do it three more times later in the day. Your dog should be starting to get it by the end of the day. By the end of a couple of weeks, he should be a pro.

Once you get your dog to sit, the next step is to teach her to stay. Tell her to sit, then put your hand up as if to signal "stop," and say, "Stay." The dog will stay in place, at least for a couple of seconds. Give her a treat for staying and encourage her to "stay" longer by holding your hand up and saying "Stay." This will take a couple of tries, but after the fourth or fifth time, your dog should start to get the idea. Repeat this four to five times a day for a couple of weeks, rewarding your dog with treats.

After "sit" and "stay," "lie down" should be easy. Command your dog to sit. Put a treat in your closed hand; put your hand on the ground and tell your dog to "lie down" (or say "Down boy"; whichever you prefer). It may take a minute, but when he realizes that simply putting his head down and licking your hand won't get him the treat, he'll most likely lie down. If that doesn't work, gently direct him to the ground and give him the treat. By this time, your dog should start to realize what you're doing with the treats and begin to learn tricks faster. Repeat this three times every day for the next couple of weeks. After the dog learns to lie down, you should be able to alternate between all three tricks. Reward your dog generously with treats and affection.

This may sound basic, but it is one the most important things you can possibly teach your dog, if only for her safety. You dog may already know her name: Since you have been calling her by it and giving her affection since day one, you were training her and didn't even know it. However, in case your dog is ever off the leash, it's important to ascertain that she will come when you call. The first way to do this is to command your dog to stay, then call her name. When she comes over, reward her with a treat. Do this a couple of times a day. Start testing her by calling her name throughout the house at random times. If you see her in the living room and you're in the kitchen, call down the hall and see if she comes. If she does, reward her with treats. Her responses should become faster and faster once she starts to realize that there are treats involved.

Shaking hands is a cute and simple trick to teach your dog after he knows the basics. Start by commanding him to sit. Gently take his paw in your hand and say "Shake" or "Shake hands." Some people like to say "High five"; do whatever works for you. Reward him with a treat and repeat. Your dog will probably get this trick rather quickly--probably after the third time. After about three days, he'll likely be a handshaking pro. (You may notice him motioning for you to shake paws with him when he thinks he deserves a treat.)