Trick Training Library

Trick training is more than a party trick — it builds focus, exercises the brain, and strengthens the human-animal bond. Ten minutes of trick training tires most dogs more than an hour of walking. This library lists eleven classic tricks organized by difficulty, from 'Sit' to 'Put toys away,' each with the exact luring and shaping steps used by professional trainers. Filter by level to find your next challenge, and remember: every trick is trained in tiny increments, not one big leap.

  • Sit
    Beginner

    Lure nose up until rear touches floor, click, treat. Add cue after 10 reps.

  • Down
    Beginner

    From sit, lure straight down to floor between paws.

  • Shake
    Beginner

    Tickle back of paw, click when it lifts. Add hand cue.

  • Spin
    Beginner

    Lure nose in a circle. Fade lure to a finger point.

  • Roll over
    Intermediate

    From down, lure nose over shoulder toward hip.

  • Bow
    Intermediate

    Capture the play bow, mark with clicker, name it.

  • Speak / Quiet
    Intermediate

    Capture a bark on cue, then reward silence to teach 'quiet'.

  • Fetch to hand
    Intermediate

    Trade a toy for a treat; only reward when placed in your hand.

  • Weave through legs
    Advanced

    Lure through leg → step → lure back. Chain into figure-8.

  • Play dead
    Advanced

    From roll-over, add finger-gun cue, wait 3 seconds before release.

  • Put toys away
    Advanced

    Chain 'take it' + 'drop it' over a bin. Reward the release into bin.

Examples

  • SitBeginner — lure nose up until rear touches floor
  • Roll overIntermediate — lure nose over shoulder
  • Weave through legsAdvanced — chain figure-8 pattern

Frequently asked questions

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