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Entry 595Filed under Breeding

21 Fun and Popular Dog Tricks Most Dogs Can Learn—With Safe Modifications

Explore 21 familiar dog tricks, from touch and find it to spin and leg weave, with simple ways to make each one easier or skip it. Use reward-based training and let your dog’s comfort guide what you teach.
7-minute read By Animalso Team
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What tricks can you teach your dog? Many dogs can learn at least a few at any age, but no dog needs to learn all 21 or perform movements that feel uncomfortable. Start with reward-based training, choose a trick that suits your dog, and make it easier—or skip it—if the movement or setup causes concern.

This is a varied menu of familiar tricks, not a measured ranking of the most popular ones. The American Kennel Club (AKC) lists more than 21 trick options on its novice checklist. Use the ideas below as a starting point, not a test every dog must pass.

How to teach tricks safely

Before practicing, consider whether the dog seems comfortable with the movement and the setting. AKC advises checking that a dog is in good physical shape before attempting tricks and consulting a veterinarian if you are unsure. If your dog has known pain, mobility limits, an injury, or difficulty with a movement, ask a veterinarian which activities are appropriate.

  1. Choose a quiet, safe space. Use a comfortable, nonslip area with room to move. Set up any box, target, or other prop so it is stable.
  2. Pick a reward your dog values. Food, a toy, or praise may work. A clicker is optional; a consistent word such as yes can mark the moment too.
  3. Reward a voluntary first step. Lure the dog with a reward or capture a movement it offers naturally. Do not push, pull, or physically place the dog into a pose. AKC author Mary R. Burch, PhD, says, “Pushing, shoving and pulling the dog into position don’t work in trick dog training.”
  4. Mark and reward promptly. Mark the action you want with a click or consistent word, then reward it.
  5. Build the behavior gradually. Reward small approximations, add the cue as the behavior becomes predictable, and stop before the dog gets tired or frustrated. AKC’s booklet suggests 5–10 repetitions before moving to the next progression; treat that as a suggestion, not a rule for every dog.
  6. Make the trick easier when needed. Reduce the movement, distance, or duration, or choose a lower-impact alternative. Let the dog opt out.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) states, “Evidence supports the use of reward based methods for all canine training.” Its 2021 position statement recommends reward-based methods rather than methods relying on force, pain, or physical or emotional discomfort.

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21 dog tricks to try

These tricks vary in movement, setup, and comfort with touch or close spaces. Each can be simplified or skipped; a dog’s willingness and comfort matter more than completing the list.

1. Sit

Reward a comfortable sit when your dog offers it, or use a gentle lure toward the nose and up. Do not push the dog’s hindquarters down. If sitting seems uncomfortable, stop and ask a veterinarian about the movement.

2. Down

Lure a willing dog toward the floor and reward a comfortable lie-down. If a full down is difficult, reward a comfortable stretch with the front paws lowered instead. Never press the dog down.

3. Stay

Ask for a familiar position, reward a brief pause while your dog remains there, then release it. Begin close by and end the pause before the dog gets frustrated.

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4. Come when called

Practice in a quiet, secure place. Say your dog’s name and the cue in an inviting voice, then reward arrival. Keep practice away from hazards; do not use an unsafe off-leash setting to test recall.

5. Touch a hand or target

Hold a hand or target still at an easy height. Mark and reward a nose touch. Keep the target close enough that the dog does not need to jump or stretch uncomfortably.

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6. Shake or paw

Wait for a voluntary paw lift or paw rest, mark it, and reward. Do not grab or lift the paw. Skip this trick if your dog is uncomfortable with paw handling.

7. High five

Offer a low, open palm and reward a light paw touch. This can be taught as a low version of shake; skip it if paw movement or contact seems uncomfortable.

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8. Speak on cue

Capture a natural bark, mark it, and reward. Once the dog understands the cue, reward barking only when it follows the cue. If barking is a concern, do not rehearse it around the dog’s usual triggers.

9. Find it

Place a treat or scent item somewhere easy and visible, then invite your dog to find it. Start with a simple search and avoid hiding it somewhere that requires climbing or strenuous movement.

10. Fetch

Start with a short retrieve on a nonslip surface using a soft, lightweight toy. Reward picking it up and returning it; keep the distance easy.

11. Get your toy

Use one familiar, lightweight toy. Reward your dog for picking it up, then for carrying it a short distance toward you. Keep the task simple and voluntary.

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12. Get in a box

Set out a wide, stable box with a low entry. Reward looking into it, approaching it, or stepping in—whichever is comfortable. Do not push your dog inside.

13. Kennel up

Invite your dog into a familiar crate and reward entry. Let the dog leave on a release cue; never push it inside or use the trick to trap it.

14. Kiss

Offer your hand or cheek as a target only if your dog enjoys close contact. A hand target or nose touch is an easy substitute if the dog prefers more space.

15. Paws up

Invite your dog to place its front paws on a broad, stable, very low surface. Reward a small voluntary movement. If stepping up is unsuitable, use a nose target instead.

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16. Spin

Use a hand target or lure to guide one slow, broad turn, then stop and reward. Omit spins if turning or balance seems uncomfortable; do not ask for repeated turns.

17. Bow

Reward a natural stretch or lure only a small, comfortable lowering of the front end. Do not press on the dog’s back or force a position. If bowing looks uncomfortable, skip it.

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18. Crawl

Reward one small forward movement from a comfortable lowered position, on a comfortable surface. Keep it brief. If lowering or crawling is not comfortable, choose a hand touch or nose target.

19. Leg weave

In a safe, uncluttered area, use a wide stance and lure your dog slowly through one leg at a time. Keep the leash clear to avoid tangling. Skip the trick if the dog is uneasy passing between legs or you cannot stand safely.

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20. Peekaboo or middle

Invite your dog to stand between your legs and reward the position. Use a wide, steady stance—or sit if that is more comfortable—so the dog does not have to squeeze through a narrow gap. Never force the dog into the space.

21. Under the bridge

Make a roomy, stable arch and invite your dog to follow a lure through it. Let the dog move voluntarily and skip the trick if it dislikes confined spaces or lowering its body.

Choosing tricks for your dog

Some tricks need only a hand target; others involve turning, lowering the body, stepping onto a surface, or moving through a close space. Choose based on the individual dog’s comfort, not age, breed, or a desire to finish the list. Keep physical movements optional and low intensity, and stop if your dog seems uncomfortable or tired.

What the trick involves Examples Possible easier choice
Stationary or simple targeting Sit, stay, touch, find it Use a close, low target or reward a smaller step
Handling or close contact Shake, high five, kiss, middle Use a nose touch or hand target instead
Turning or lowering Spin, bow, crawl Reduce the movement or choose a stationary trick
Props or movement through spaces Get in a box, kennel up, leg weave, under the bridge Use a stable, roomy setup or choose a target trick
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are easy tricks to teach a dog?

Many owners start with sit, stay, touch, or find it because these can be practiced with little equipment and adjusted to a small movement. What feels easy depends on the individual dog and its comfort.

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Does every dog need a clicker or treats?

No. A clicker is optional; a consistent word can mark the desired moment. Food can be a reward, but toys or praise may work too. Choose what your dog values and keep the exercise positive.

Can every dog learn all 21 tricks?

No. AKC says almost any dog can learn at least a few tricks, not that every dog can or should perform every movement. Adapt or skip tricks that do not suit your dog.

How many repetitions should I do?

AKC’s booklet suggests 5–10 repetitions before moving to the next progression, but this is not a universal rule. Stop sooner if your dog loses interest, seems tired, or becomes frustrated.

What should I do if my dog seems uncomfortable?

Stop the exercise and do not force the movement. Choose an easier alternative; if the concern involves pain, mobility, injury, or physical readiness, ask your veterinarian for guidance.

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The bottom line

Pick a trick your dog can try comfortably, reward voluntary progress, and make the movement easier when needed. A dog that learns a few enjoyable behaviors has succeeded; there is no need to complete all 21.

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