Introduction
Your dog already knows the basics — sit, stay, come — but you’re ready to take training to the next level. Enter advanced trick training, where fun meets focus. Teaching your dog new tricks like high-fives, spins, or figure-eights doesn’t just impress your friends; it strengthens your bond, builds confidence, and stimulates your dog’s mind. Whether you’re at home, in the park, or prepping for social media fame, advanced tricks turn training into pure joy.
The best part? Every trick is built on trust and positive reinforcement — no pressure, just teamwork.
1. Why Advanced Trick Training Matters
Trick training isn’t just about “party tricks.” It deepens communication between you and your dog, sharpens obedience, and gives your pup a sense of purpose.
- 🧠 Mental stimulation: Learning new movements challenges your dog’s brain and prevents boredom-related behaviors.
- 💞 Bond strengthening: Working together builds mutual understanding and trust.
- 💪 Physical exercise: Tricks like spinning, weaving, or bowing engage muscles and coordination.
- 🎉 Confidence boost: Dogs love success — mastering something new makes them proud and happy.
Pro Tip: Advanced training isn’t about perfection; it’s about fun, repetition, and encouragement. Keep sessions lighthearted and rewarding.
2. Setting Up for Success
- 🎾 Keep sessions short: 5–10 minutes, two or three times daily.
- 🍗 Use high-value treats: Small, irresistible rewards like chicken bits or cheese.
- 🎯 Train in a quiet space: Start distraction-free before adding challenges.
- 😄 End on a win: Always stop training after a success — even a small one.
Before you start advanced tricks, ensure your dog has a solid grasp of basic commands like sit, stay, and down. These form the foundation for more complex behaviors.
3. Trick #1: High-Five 🖐️
The high-five is one of the most iconic and adorable tricks — and surprisingly easy to teach.
- Ask your dog to sit.
- Hold a treat in your closed hand near their paw.
- Most dogs will naturally paw at your hand. The moment they do — mark it (“Yes!”) and reward.
- Repeat until consistent, then open your palm and raise it slightly higher.
- Say “High five!” as you present your open hand. Reward every successful touch.
Pro Tip: Keep your movements exaggerated and playful — your dog mirrors your enthusiasm!
4. Trick #2: Spin 🌀
“Spin” looks flashy but teaches coordination and body awareness. You can train it in minutes a day.
- Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose.
- Slowly move your hand in a circle, encouraging your dog to follow the treat with their body.
- When they complete a full circle, mark and reward.
- Add the verbal cue “Spin!” just before the motion once they start catching on.
- Repeat several times — then try in both directions (“Spin left!” / “Spin right!”).
Pro Tip: Keep spins balanced — alternating directions prevents muscle strain and keeps your dog symmetrical.
5. Trick #3: Play Dead 💀 (“Bang!”)
This crowd-pleaser is dramatic and adorable — and surprisingly logical for dogs once broken into steps.
- Start with your dog in a down position.
- Use a treat to lure them onto their side — say “Bang!” or “Play dead!”
- Reward as soon as they roll onto their side and stay still for one second.
- Gradually extend the time before rewarding, adding praise for stillness.
Pro Tip: Some dogs prefer a soft surface like a rug. Keep it comfortable and fun!
6. Trick #4: Weave Through Legs 🕺
This trick builds coordination and confidence while reinforcing focus on you.
- Stand with your legs apart and lure your dog through one leg with a treat.
- Mark and reward once they pass through.
- Next, use another treat to guide them through the other leg — back and forth like a figure-eight.
- Add the cue “Weave!” once they start anticipating the motion.
Pro Tip: Practice slowly at first — then turn it into a rhythmic flow. It’s great exercise for both of you!
7. Trick #5: Take a Bow 🙇♀️
This elegant trick gives your dog the stage presence of a performer. It’s also an excellent stretch for their front muscles.
- Start with your dog standing.
- Hold a treat at their nose and slowly lower it toward the ground between their front paws.
- When they lower their front while keeping their rear up — mark and reward!
- Say “Bow!” or “Take a bow!” and repeat until consistent.
Pro Tip: If your dog lies down completely, gently guide them back up and reward partial bows.
8. Trick #6: Peekaboo 👀
This cute trick — where your dog pops their head between your legs from behind — builds focus and trust.
- Stand with legs slightly apart.
- Call your dog from behind and lure their head through with a treat.
- Say “Peekaboo!” and reward as soon as they peek through.
- Once comfortable, pair it with a gesture — patting your legs or bending slightly.
9. Taking Tricks to the Next Level
Once your dog knows a few advanced tricks, start combining them into sequences or routines. For example:
- 🎭 Routine idea: “Spin,” “Bow,” and “High five” — great for performances or photos.
- 🎬 Challenge mode: Practice tricks amid distractions like music or light movement.
- 📸 Photo idea: Capture each trick mid-action for fun social posts or training journals.
Pro Tip: Dogs thrive on variety — rotate between tricks to keep training fresh and engaging.
10. Troubleshooting & Motivation Tips
- 🐾 Lack of focus? Shorten sessions and use higher-value treats.
- 🐶 Getting frustrated? End on a simple success like “sit” or “touch.”
- ⏳ Plateauing? Train in new environments — it helps generalize the command.
- 💬 Silent training: Practice using only hand signals to build non-verbal communication.
Conclusion
Advanced trick training transforms ordinary obedience into joyful teamwork. Every new move your dog masters — from a spin to a high-five — strengthens your connection and builds confidence. Remember: progress comes through patience and positivity. There’s no such thing as failure, only learning. So grab your treats, turn up the encouragement, and let the show begin — because every dog deserves a moment in the spotlight.
