How many of the following tricks can your dog do?
Does your dog perform any cool tricks that aren’t on this list?
I honestly can’t imagine many more dog tricks that could have possibly been left off this list!
This list of 101 dog tricks originally appeared in the Seattle Times (03.10.05).
It was compiled by Kathy Sdao, an associate Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist based in Tacoma, Washington who has spent the past two decades as a full-time professional animal trainer.
Enjoy!
101 Dog Tricks
Want to keep that dog of yours intellectually stimulated?
Here are 101 tricks you can teach your curious canine, courtesy of dog expert Kathy Sdao.
The #1 key to success?… Use dog treats as rewards!
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Level 1 Difficulty Dog Tricks
These tricks are a great way to start bonding with your dog and teaching them basic obedience. Remember to be patient and positive during training, and always use plenty of treats and praise!
Trick # | Trick |
---|---|
1 | Bare teeth (be a wolf, or what do sharks look like?) |
2 | Bark |
3 | Bark silently (whisper) |
4 | Beg |
5 | Toss a toy in the air |
6 | Bow |
7 | Circle around me |
8 | Cock your head to one side |
9 | Crawl |
10 | Did you wash your hands? (dog sits up in beg position but shows pads) |
11 | Dig |
12 | Fan the flames (two paws) |
13 | Cover your eyes |
14 | Gimme four (realistic version of gimme five) |
15 | Growl |
16 | Kiss |
17 | Let go of rope |
18 | Nod your head |
19 | Nose touch to hand |
20 | Nose touch to other objects (naming objects or just pointing) |
21 | Play dead |
22 | Prewash dishes for dishwasher (just wanted to see if you were paying attention) |
23 | Push things with paw (like doors, drawers) |
24 | Put paws on a person’s shoulders |
25 | Ring bell by pulling string |
26 | Ring bell with nose |
27 | Ring bell with paw |
28 | Roll over |
29 | Rub muzzle on floor |
30 | Shake hands |
31 | Shake your head |
32 | Shake yourself |
33 | Sit on couch with front feet on ground |
34 | Stand up on rear legs (sooooo big!) |
35 | Speak |
36 | Speak LOUDLY! |
37 | Speak SOFTLY! |
38 | Spin |
39 | Wag tail |
40 | Walk backward |
41 | Wave |
42 | Sneeze |
43 | Where’s your tail? |
44 | Whimper |
45 | Yawn |
The Following Level 2 Tricks Are More Challenging
The Level 2 tricks listed below introduce several complexities that make them harder for dogs to master compared to Level 1 tricks:
- Increased physical coordination: Tricks like balancing treats, carrying objects, and pulling require more dexterity and control over their bodies.
- Enhanced problem-solving: Finding specific items, differentiating objects by name or function, and understanding sequential actions demand greater cognitive function.
- Stronger impulse control: Resisting barking until cued, ignoring distractions while fetching specific items, and maintaining certain positions require more self-restraint.
- Advanced communication: Understanding subtle cues, responding to specific commands like “find X,” and learning names of family members involve deeper comprehension.
- Greater trust and collaboration: Tricks like leading another dog, riding a horse, or fetching a beer rely on teamwork and understanding your intent.
- Physical limitations: Not all dogs may be physically capable of climbing ladders, riding carts, or carrying heavy objects.
- Ethical considerations: Tricks like fetching alcohol or carrying money raise ethical concerns and are not recommended.
Level 2 Difficulty Dog Tricks:
These tricks are advanced and a great way to build on your bond with your dog. Remember, specific challenges may vary depending on your dog. As always, be patient and positive during training, and always use plenty of treats and praise!
Trick # | Trick |
---|---|
46 | Balance treat on nose, then toss it up in the air and catch it |
47 | Carry purse or other bag |
48 | Fetch newspaper |
49 | Fetch slippers |
50 | Find/bring keys |
51 | Find/bring dog dishes |
52 | Find/bring leash |
53 | Find/bring TV remote |
54 | Get a toy by name |
55 | Wiggle ears |
56 | Heel backward |
57 | Hide your eyes/paw over nose (shame on you/do you like tuna?) |
58 | Hide your head (nose touch under cushion or blanket) |
59 | Howl (heard the Spice Girls’ latest CD?) |
60 | Keep barking until some subtle cue |
61 | Lead another dog by the leash |
62 | Limp |
63 | Moonwalk (scoot backward in a bow) |
64 | Open doors |
65 | Permit the wearing of sunglasses or hat |
66 | Pick a card (from a deck) |
67 | Pick the hammer (paw to indicate correct tool) |
68 | Pull a cart |
69 | Pull on harness: pulling kids on sled, pulling laundry basket or cart, pulling firewood |
70 | Pull on rope — close doors, open doors, open cupboards, pull wheelchairs |
71 | Pull your wallet out of your pocket |
72 | Lower/raise head while lying down |
73 | Push something with the nose (e.g., ball) |
74 | Put a toy IN something |
75 | Ride a cart |
76 | Ride a skateboard |
77 | Roll in cued direction |
78 | Rub back on floor |
79 | Rub muzzle with paws |
80 | Smile |
81 | Shame on you (hide head under chair) |
82 | Sit in a chair, paws on table |
83 | Teabag search: Dog searches 3 people sitting on floor or chair for teabag held in their hand |
84 | Roll yourself up in a blanket or towel |
85 | Take a bow, twirl, and take a bow |
86 | Take money from someone else and bring it to you! |
87 | Walk sideways |
88 | Jump up into handler’s arms |
89 | Weave between your legs |
90 | Climb a ladder |
91 | Dance |
92 | Fetch a hot dog |
93 | Kick balls with paws (soccer) |
94 | Lead people (take wrist gently in mouth and take them somewhere) |
95 | Learn names of family members and carry messages back and forth |
96 | Nose touch to designated colors or shapes |
97 | Ride a horse/llama/other dog |
98 | Roll over with ball between front paws |
99 | Stop dead on cue |
100 | Walk up stairs backward |
101 | Fetch beer from fridge |
Ready To Teach Your Dog These Tricks?
See how we taught our dog many of these tricks.
Or, check out the awesome book 101 Dog Tricks by Kyra Sundance. You get step-by-step instructions for teaching your dog 101 fun dog tricks. Some examples from Kyra’s book:
While the 101 Dog Tricks book itself is loaded with great pictures and step-by-step instructions, some people learn better by actually watching with their own eyes as the dog and trainer go through the steps to learning a new dog trick. There’s also a DVD (Best Of 101 Dog Tricks) which shows you how to do 16 different tricks from the book.
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Don’t Forget These Books
- Fired Up, Frantic, and Freaked Out: Training Crazy Dogs from Over the Top to Under Control (Training Great Dogs)$9.99
- Katz on Dogs: A Commonsense Guide to Training and Living with Dogs$17.45
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I like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money — so I write about “outside the box” Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn’t think of.
I’m a lifelong dog owner — currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I’ve always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians — whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I’ve been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started… and before the days of Facebook and YouTube).
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