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!

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
1Bare teeth (be a wolf, or what do sharks look like?)
2Bark
3Bark silently (whisper)
4Beg
5Toss a toy in the air
6Bow
7Circle around me
8Cock your head to one side
9Crawl
10Did you wash your hands? (dog sits up in beg position but shows pads)
11Dig
12Fan the flames (two paws)
13Cover your eyes
14Gimme four (realistic version of gimme five)
15Growl
16Kiss
17Let go of rope
18Nod your head
19Nose touch to hand
20Nose touch to other objects (naming objects or just pointing)
21Play dead
22Prewash dishes for dishwasher (just wanted to see if you were paying attention)
23Push things with paw (like doors, drawers)
24Put paws on a person’s shoulders
25Ring bell by pulling string
26Ring bell with nose
27Ring bell with paw
28Roll over
29Rub muzzle on floor
30Shake hands
31Shake your head
32Shake yourself
33Sit on couch with front feet on ground
34Stand up on rear legs (sooooo big!)
35Speak
36Speak LOUDLY!
37Speak SOFTLY!
38Spin
39Wag tail
40Walk backward
41Wave
42Sneeze
43Where’s your tail?
44Whimper
45Yawn

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
46Balance treat on nose, then toss it up in the air and catch it
47Carry purse or other bag
48Fetch newspaper
49Fetch slippers
50Find/bring keys
51Find/bring dog dishes
52Find/bring leash
53Find/bring TV remote
54Get a toy by name
55Wiggle ears
56Heel backward
57Hide your eyes/paw over nose (shame on you/do you like tuna?)
58Hide your head (nose touch under cushion or blanket)
59Howl (heard the Spice Girls’ latest CD?)
60Keep barking until some subtle cue
61Lead another dog by the leash
62Limp
63Moonwalk (scoot backward in a bow)
64Open doors
65Permit the wearing of sunglasses or hat
66Pick a card (from a deck)
67Pick the hammer (paw to indicate correct tool)
68Pull a cart
69Pull on harness: pulling kids on sled, pulling laundry basket or cart, pulling firewood
70Pull on rope — close doors, open doors, open cupboards, pull wheelchairs
71Pull your wallet out of your pocket
72Lower/raise head while lying down
73Push something with the nose (e.g., ball)
74Put a toy IN something
75Ride a cart
76Ride a skateboard
77Roll in cued direction
78Rub back on floor
79Rub muzzle with paws
80Smile
81Shame on you (hide head under chair)
82Sit in a chair, paws on table
83Teabag search: Dog searches 3 people sitting on floor or chair for teabag held in their hand
84Roll yourself up in a blanket or towel
85Take a bow, twirl, and take a bow
86Take money from someone else and bring it to you!
87Walk sideways
88Jump up into handler’s arms
89Weave between your legs
90Climb a ladder
91Dance
92Fetch a hot dog
93Kick balls with paws (soccer)
94Lead people (take wrist gently in mouth and take them somewhere)
95Learn names of family members and carry messages back and forth
96Nose touch to designated colors or shapes
97Ride a horse/llama/other dog
98Roll over with ball between front paws
99Stop dead on cue
100Walk up stairs backward
101Fetch 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:

teach-dog-to-wave-goodbye.jpgteach-your-dog-tricks.jpg

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.

Best of 101 dog tricks you can teach your dog

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The 101 best dog tricks ever!

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