25 fun tricks to teach your dog: step-by-step printable cards

How tricks are taught: marker word, small treats, short sessions

Every card uses the same method: a marker word such as "Yes!", pea-sized soft treats, 3–5 minute sessions and the 4-out-of-5 rule: move on when your dog gets a step right 4 out of 5 times, and make it easier if fewer than 3 out of 5 go well. The guide also explains luring, shaping and capturing, and always ending on a win.

Level 1: 8 easy tricks for beginners

Touch (hand target) · Paw · Other paw · Spin · Sit pretty (first step) · High five · Chin rest · Go to mat. Many Level 2 and 3 tricks build on these.

Level 2: 9 medium tricks

Bow · Back up · Around me · Through the legs · Peekaboo · Wave · Find it · Ring a bell · Settle on cue.

Level 3: 8 show-off tricks

Play dead · Roll over · Tidy up toys · Close the door · Cross paws · Shy · Jump through arms · a trick chain routine. Each card has the goal, what you need, short steps, the reward moment, common mistakes and a "done when" check.

Troubleshooting

What to do when your dog loses interest, gets too excited, won't lie down on a hard floor, only works with a treat in your hand or offers every trick at once. If your dog seems stiff, sore or avoids a movement, stop that trick and ask your vet.

Tricks with children: family safety

Children can join in, always with an adult present. The family page covers simple rules (the dog can always walk away, treats on a flat palm, 2–3 minute sessions) and the signs that a dog needs a break.

Progress chart and certificate

A progress chart for all 25 tricks (started, with help, on cue, anywhere), a family cue-word list and a printable trick certificate.

FAQ

What are easy tricks to teach a dog first?

Start with Level 1: touch (hand target), paw, spin, high five, chin rest and go to mat. Many Level 2 and 3 tricks build on these.

How long should a trick training session be?

3–5 minutes, one to three times a day, with 5–10 repetitions and a short break or game in between. Always end on something easy your dog does well.

Can children teach the tricks?

Yes, always with an adult present. The family safety page lists simple rules and suitable tricks.

Is it suitable for puppies or senior dogs?

The card deck is written for most healthy adult dogs. For a puppy, a senior or a dog with a health condition, check with your vet before jumping, rolling or balancing tricks, and stop any trick your dog finds uncomfortable.

What's included?

A printable A4 PDF of about 40 pages per language (English, Norwegian, Danish, Swedish and German): how tricks are taught, 25 trick cards (goal, steps, reward moment, common mistakes, "done when"), troubleshooting, a kids and family safety page, a progress chart and a trick certificate. Downloaded right after purchase. Positive reinforcement only; not veterinary advice.