The first step to getting a loyal best friend is bringing a dog home. The next step is to nourish this friendship by developing an understanding. Training your dog to listen to you helps draw out their best behavior inside and outside the house.

Luckily, dogs are intelligent creatures and quick learners with the right kind of motivation. I say from experience that you can teach them as many commands and tricks as you like. It does require a little effort on your part initially, but the benefits are for a lifetime.  

My comprehensive list of basic and advanced dog commands will make companionship with your furry buddy more productive and rewarding:

1. “Sit” Command 

1. Hold a treat above the dog’s nose.
2. Move toward the back of its head to lure it into position.
3. Repeat with fewer hand gestures each time.

Purpose: To teach your dog to stay calm and collected.

How to Teach Your Dog to Sit

This command works best with small-sized treats, as it makes repetition more feasible. You hold the treat above the dog’s nose and slowly move your hand backward to get it in position. You have to say ‘stay’ every time and gradually eliminate hand gestures so that the dog gets used to the verbal command over time. 

2. “Stay” Command

1. Command your dog to sit.
2. Slowly step back.
3. Hold your hand up to stop if it follows, and tell it to stay.
4. Reward it with a treat when it obeys.
5. Repeat with a greater distance each time.

Purpose: To harbor self-control in the dog. 

How to Teach Your Dog to Stay

This command is easy if your dog already knows how to sit. The next part is to keep them sitting, so you give them a treat when they stay put rather than follow you. You must maintain eye contact as you step back and tell them to stay while motioning with the hand.

3. “No” Command

1. Put the dog on a leash.
2. Place a treat on the ground in front.
3. Pull on the leash and say “No” when the dog approaches the treat.
4. Repeat until it obeys without the pull, and reward it with a treat.

Purpose: To harness patience in the dog. 

How to Teach Your Dog No

Teaching your dog ‘no’ is an excellent way to discipline it on command. Make sure that the dog is on a leash, so you can control its movement. When you place a treat upfront, the dog will automatically approach it, but you have to pull back by the leash and tell it “No.” Repeat this until you no longer have to pull on the leash. 

4. “Heel” Command

1. Put your dog on a leash and take on a walk.
2. Stop from time to time and make the dog sit.
3. Pull on a leash and say “heel” when the dog tries to move ahead of you.
4. Reward with a treat when the dog matches your step.

Purpose: To encourage the dog to walk beside you rather than pulling you forward.

How to Teach Your Dog to Heel

Many dogs run ahead when on a walk with their owner. The heel command is a way to keep it by your side. The dog should be on a tight leash, and you must come to a halt again and again so that it sits and gets the hang of it. Pull the leash and say “heel” when the dog sprints ahead; repeat the process several times and reward when the goal is reached. 

5. “Rollover” Command

1. Get your dog in a down position.
2. Move the hand with its treat toward the back of the head.
3. Gradually increase the angle and introduce the command “Roll Over.”

Purpose: A fun trick to teach your dog, and useful for getting them out of your spot.

How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over

Teaching this command is relatively time-consuming, as you need to get used to the dog’s comfortable positions. You have to lure them down with the treat and then make them turn around several times while staying on the floor. Repeat the process until the lure of the treat is no longer required to make it roll over. 

6. “Play Dead” or “Bang” Command

1. Take the treat in hand and push it down forward to get the dog down.
2. Move your hand over its head in a flipping motion, so it lays down on its hip.
3. Improvise with a finger gun, say “bang,” give a treat, and repeat.

Purpose: A cool trick to put on a show and entertain everyone.

How to Teach Your Dog to Play Dead

This command cannot be mastered in one session. You have to go through several steps to teach the dog to perform the desired movement. You will need several small treats to first get in down, flip on the hip, and then keep its head touched to the ground while laid down. 

7. “Shake Hand” Command

1. Make the dog sit and offer a treat on the palm of your hand.
2. Next, make a fist so the dog paws at it to get the treat.
3. Repeat and introduce the command “Shake.”

Purpose: To teach the dog a fun way to greet you and your guests.

How to Teach Your Dog to Shake

Hold up the treat on your palm parallel to the dog’s face. Next, enclose the treat in a fist so that the dog is encouraged to use their paw to retrieve the treat. Gradually, they will get used to the verbal command, but don’t forget to reward them each time. 

8. “Fetch” Command

1. Get your dog’s favorite toy.
2. Show it to them, throw it a few feet away, and say “fetch.”
3. Once the dog has picked it up, pull on their leash so they return.
4. Slowly increase the distance and incorporate a game of chase.

Purpose: To teach the dog to fetch stuff and get more exercise outside.

How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

It is important to start with a toy your dog loves to ensure that it will put in the effort to retrieve it. Say “fetch” when you make the throw. When the dog has fetched the object, call them or pull the leash while running backward so that it is enticed to get back to you. 

9. “Lay Down” Command

1. Have your dog sit.
2. Hold a treat to its nose and slowly drag your hand down backward towards the floor.
3. Pat on the back with the other hand and give the treat.

Purpose: To get your dog in a relaxed position.

How to Teach Your Dog to Lay Down

After your dog sits on command, get its attention with one of its favorite treats. Bring it to their nose and slide the arm backward so the dog bends forward towards the floor. Use the other hand to pat the back and keep it down. Repeat with verbal command until the dog obeys without using the treat. 

10. “Speak” Command

1. Give the dog a taste of a treat it cannot resist.
2. Hold it up out of reach.
3. Tell it “no” if it tries to climb upon you.
4. When the dog barks, introduce the command “speak” and reward it with a treat.

Purpose: To improve your dog’s communication skills.

How to Teach Your Dog to Speak

You cannot literally command a dog to speak out at first, so you need to urge it with something it cannot resist. The dog will try to get the treat by standing tall and jumping at first, but you need to remain resilient. The command should only be used after you have received the first bark from your dog. 

11. “Leash” Command

1. Place the harness on the floor.
2. Feed your dog bits of a treat around it.
3. Eventually, secure the harness and attach the leash.

Purpose: To make your dog comfortable wearing a harness and being on a leash.

How to Teach Your Dog to Wear a Leash

The key to mastering this command is to make the dog comfortable around the harness. Give them treats before and after getting into the harness so they understand that it is a rewarding activity. At some point, you won’t need a treat to lure them into wearing the leash. 

12. “Walk on a Leash” Command

1. Get the dog’s attention by offering treats and establishing eye contact.
2. Keep moving rather than stopping and pulling on the leash.
3. Reward it for maintaining a reasonable pace.

Purpose: To prevent the dog from getting too distracted by outdoor attractions and trying to break free.

How to Teach Your Dog to Walk on a Leash

Dogs can easily get distracted by birds, other dogs, and vehicles during walks outside. If you want your dog to stay with you instead of pulling away, focus their attention on you with treats and verbal commands like “look at me.” It is best to stay in motion rather than forcefully pulling the dog’s leash to come to a stop.

13. “Come” Command

1. Grab the dog’s attention with a treat or squeaky toy.
2. Introduce the command “come” when they approach you.
3. Increase the distance each time and repeat in different environments.

Purpose: To teach the dog to find its way to you under various circumstances.

How to Teach Your Dog to Come

Even though most dogs have a habit of chasing their owners, they can get distracted by the smallest things. Using a treat or squeaky toy is a smart way to make a dog aware of you. Hand gestures, along with verbal command, gradually infiltrates their memory. You can then use the command, and they will come to you without an added incentive. 

14. “Name” Command

1. Sit across from your dog.
2. Say its name.
3. Feed it a treat.
4. Pause and repeat.

Purpose: To teach your dog to respond to its name.

How to Teach Your Dog Its Name

Use your dog’s name whenever you interact with them, so they get used to the sound. Saying their name over and over again and feeding them a treat simultaneously helps them develop a positive feeling with the name. Therefore, they are motivated to listen to you and come to you when they hear the name. 

15. “Give Paw” Command

1. Ask your dog to sit.
2. Enclose a treat in a fist and hold it in front of its nose.  
3. Offer a treat and pat with the other hand when the dog sniffs and paws at the fist.
4. Repeat the command until the dog gives a paw consistently.

Purpose: To teach your dog to shake hands and ask for treats politely.

How to Teach Your Dog to Give Paw

When your dog is in a sitting position, and it can smell the treat in your fist, it will try different antics to retrieve it. You have to make the work for it until it uses its paw to get the treat. Rewarding every time the dog gives a paw and using the command will teach how it works. 

16. “Don’t Jump” Command

1. Put the dog on a leash.
2. Wiggle a toy in the air to encourage it to jump.
3. Step on the leash to restrict movement.
4. Repeat it several times with the command.
5. Now, try without stepping on the leash.

Purpose: To alleviate the dog’s excitement and encourage it to behave.

How to Teach Your Dog Not to Jump

If you want to stop your dog from jumping at you all the time, train it with a leash. When you step on the leash, leaving a minimum of rope, the dog will not be able to jump and, hence, settle down after a few tries. When you let go of the leash, it may jump at you again. Keep practicing, and it will learn the command in a matter of time. 

17. “Don’t Bite” Command

1. Distract the dog with a treat.
2. Command the dog to sit.
3. Reward with a treat and repeat until it stops biting.

Purpose: To protect yourself from dog bites and encourage good behavior.

How to Teach Your Dog Not to Bite

Biting issues are most common with puppies that are teething, so giving them a chewy toy helps a lot. Discouraging the biting habit with the use of treats may take several weeks in the case of puppies. You need to make them sit before you give them the treat so that they don’t think that they are being rewarded for biting. Repeat the steps until they lose interest in biting you. 

18. “Drop it” Command

1. Hold onto the object in the dog’s mouth.
2. Be patient until the dog gives up.
3. Toss the object back at them.
4. Repeat the first step with the command.

Purpose: To teach your dog to let go of things on command.

How to Teach Your Dog to Drop It

If you take something from your dog and try to hide it away, it will do everything in its power to get it back. However, if you remain resilient and return the object to them, they will lose interest in it and be more willing to give it up. Repeat this with all sorts of items, and they’ll begin to drop it on command. 

19. “Quiet” Command

1. Hold up a treat when the dog is barking.
2. Refuse to give a treat by holding it further back.
3. Use the command and wait for it to be quiet.
4. Offer a treat when it stops barking.

Purpose: To teach the dog to be quiet on command and eliminate unwanted barking.

How to Teach Your Dog Not to Bark

When your dog is barking, show it a treat, but don’t give it to it. If they get close, move the treat further up or back and say, “Quiet.” Give a treat when he stops barking and repeat this process until it responds to the command without the lure of a treat. 

20. “Swim” Command

1. Put your dog on a leash.
2. Guide them into the pool, standing on the edge, leash in hand.
3. Circle around the pool, holding onto the leash.
4. Repeat until the dog develops the confidence to go in on their own.

Purpose: To teach your dog to stay afloat in water and participate in pool games.

How to Teach Your Dog to Swim

Dogs are natural swimmers, so you just need to get them to feel at home in a pool of water. You will guide them down the pool by slightly yanking the leash (don’t put too much pressure on it). Walk around the edge of the pool with a leash in hand. Let the dog out after a round, and repeat after some time. 

21. “Leave it” Command

1. Tug at the object in the dog’s mouth.
2. Say “Drop it” while holding a treat to its nose with the other hand.
3.  Hide the toy behind your back as soon as the dog drops it.
4. Give treats and praise to your dog.

Purpose: To teach your dog to let go of objects that are delicate or dangerous for them.

How to Teach Your Dog to Leave It

You need to firmly tug at the object with one hand while you hold the treat to the dog’s nose with the other hand and say, “Drop it.” The dog is distracted by the treat, so it shall easily let go of the object. You should hide the object behind your back and feed the dog with the other hand. 

22. “Spin” Command

1. Hold a treat down and slowly move your hand in a circle.
2. When the dog completes the circle, make a clicking sound.
3. Give it a treat and repeat a few times before using the command.

Purpose: This is a fun trick for play and entertainment.  

How to Teach Your Dog to Spin

Keep in mind that the dog will not do the spin without the promise of a reward. Don’t hold the treat too high, or the dog will attempt to jump rather than go around in a circle. The key is to keep the dog on all fours and reward it at the end of each spin. Introduce the command after your dog has produced a couple of perfect spins. 

23. “Down” Command

1. Hold the treat to the floor.
2. Lure with an empty hand and feed treat with the other.
3. Step back, introduce the command, and repeat.  

Purpose: To teach your dog to settle down on command. 

How to Teach Your Dog Down

This is one of the easiest commands and can prove to be quite useful. You have to slowly lure your dog to the ground with the treat. Next, you have to lure with a hand gesture alone and then give a treat with the other hand. Finally, you introduce the command and hope for the best.

24. “Put Toys Away” Command

1. Give a toy to your dog.
2. Sit behind the toy box.
3. Call your dog and offer a treat.
4. Tap one hand in the box.
5. When the toy is dropped, throw it afar and repeat the command.

Purpose: To teach your dog to clean up by themselves after playtime.

How to Teach Your Dog to Put Toys Away

This trick is easier if your dog already likes bringing its toys to you and can play fetch. Simple hand gestures and the promise of a reward are all it takes to teach the dog to place its toys in the correct place. Sitting behind the toy box sets the dog up for success and avoids confusion. Placing and tapping your hand in the box makes the command clearer. When the dog puts the toy in the box, throw it out again and repeat the procedure with a command.

25. “Place” Command

1. Show your dog the treat.
2. Go and put the treat at the destination place.
3. Gesture your dog to come and let them eat the treat.
4. Toss the treat at the place from a distance and issue the command.

Purpose: To teach your dog to go to their room or a safe place on command.

How to Teach Place to a Dog

The dog sees you put the treat at the destined place, so it will be lured to it easily. However, it is expected that they will leave the place after eating the treat. So, you have to repeat the steps until the dog does not leave the place without your consent. The verbal command comes after the dog understands the assignment to a great extent. 

26. “Bow” Command

1. Lure your dog down with a treat, with one arm under its belly.
2. Give the treat when the dog is in the bow position.
3. Repeat and say “bow” or “take a bow” when the dog gets in position.

Purpose: To teach your dog to greet friends and family in a unique and fun way.

How to Teach Dog to Bow

Initially, the dog will get down on all fours when you lure it with a treat toward the ground. Therefore, placing an arm under its belly trains it to keep the hind legs upright. After a few tries, you can remove the arm and use the verbal command only. Reward the dog each time to motivate it to learn faster. 

27. “Car” Command

1. Place a treat near the entrance in the foot area of the car.
2. After the dog gets it, place another on the edge of the seat.
3. Throw the treat further in each time.
4. Introduce the command and keep practicing.

Purpose: To teach your dog to get into the car by themselves hassle-free.

How to Teach Your Dog to Get into the Car

Open the door of the back seat and place the dog’s favorite treat on the foot mat. The dog will easily reach it and get back to you. Next, place it on the edge of the seat at the entrance; the dog will still be able to get it without jumping into the car. You have to throw the treat further in every time so it actually gets into the car. Once that target is achieved, repeat with commands such as “car,” “get into the car,” or “hop in.” 

28. “Lap” Command

1. Sit on the floor, legs crossed.
2. Lure the dog onto your lap with a treat.
3. Reward it with a treat when it sits on your lap.
4. Introduce the command after a few successful tries.

Purpose: To teach your dog to get into your lap for cuddles and selfies.

How to Teach Your Dog to Get into Your Lap

First, you sit on the floor with your legs crossed and lure the dog onto your lap with the treat. Getting the dog into your lap isn’t hard, but getting it to sit is the tricky part. You want its hind part to rest on one thigh and the front paws on the other. When the dog properly sits in your lap a few times, repeat the process several times with the command and reward with a treat each cycle. 

29. “Bed” Command

1. Sit beside the dog bed and pat it.
2. Give a treat when the dog gets on the bed.
3. After a few tries, sit a bit further and point.
4. Use command and repeat at greater distances.
5. Use the command standing up and keep practicing.

Purpose: To teach your dog to go to their bed on command.

How to Teach Your Dog to Get into Their Bed

You have to start close to the bed and touch it so the dog easily understands what you want. Offer a treat every time it gets onto the bed. Gradually, you need to move away and rely on pointing. When the dog understands, use a command such as “Go to bed.” Repeat the process of standing up and increasing the distance each time. 

30. “Off” Command

1. Lure your dog off the couch with a treat.
2. Make them sit and lie down on the floor.
3. Reward them with a treat and repeat if they get back on.
4. Lure again with the command as many times as you need.

Purpose: To keep your dog off you and the furniture when asked.

How to Teach Your Dog to Get Off

Teaching this command is more difficult if your dog is accustomed to sitting on your lap and over the furniture. You shall have to be patient and generously reward with treats every time the dog obeys. You have to lure the dog to the floor, and that’s where they get the treat. You can use the command “off” or “get off” once it gets the hang of it. 

31. “Wait” Command

1. Put the dog on a long leash.
2. Stand right in front of it, say “wait” with a hand gesture, and give a treat.
3. Take a step back and repeat.
4. If the dog moves forward, take it back to the starting point and repeat.
5. Move a step back each time.

Purpose: To teach your dog to be patient and stay put on request.

How to Teach Your Dog to Wait

A long leash is suitable to start training, but you can do without it after making much progress. You start with hand gestures and the command to show the dog that it needs to stay in place. Reward with a treat when the dog stays on the spot, and guide it back to the starting point if it leaves the spot. When the dog begins to understand, try the command from greater distances and without the leash.

32. “Go Potty” Command

1. Take your dog out to do his business.
2. Say the command every time he poops or pees, and praise him generously.
3. Test the dog over time and keep up the routine.

Purpose: To teach your dog to do their business on command, which can be useful in many situations.

How to Teach Your Dog to Do Their Business on Command

You cannot expect your dog to do their business at a specific time and place from day one, but this is possible to achieve through consistent training. The key is to use the command followed by praise and pats whenever the dog poops or pees. It will gradually relate the command and positive gestures with the activity, and the results are astounding. 

33. “Kiss” Command

1. Smear peanut butter on your finger, say “kiss,” and offer it to your dog.
2. Smear your cheek, say “kiss,” and let the dog lick it off.  
3. After several tries, say “kiss” without the peanut butter.
4. Reward the dog after every successful attempt.

Purpose: To teach your dog to show some love in an adorable manner.

How to Teach a Dog to Kiss You and Other Pets

Some dogs are natural kissers, so they will lick or touch their snout to you with mere gestures. Peanut butter or a similar treat cherished by your dog can be used to build motivation otherwise. Don’t forget to say the command every time, and gradually, you will be able to get the kiss without peanut butter on your face. 

34. “Hug” Command

1. Hold the treat over the dog’s head.
2. Quickly move your hand backward as the dog sits up.
3. Let her stand still for a few moments, and then give her the treat.
4. Once the position is mastered, get to their level, say “hug,” and embrace.

Purpose: To teach your dog to be supportive on command.

How to Teach Your Dog to Hug You

To get a hug from your dog, you first need to achieve the right position. Holding the treat just above their head will entice them to reach for it, but you don’t want them to leap. Don’t hold the treat too high so that the dog only raises its front paws. Offer the treat only when the dog is in the right position. When your hog can hold still for sufficient time, say the command, sneak in a hug, and repeat. 

35. “High Five” Command

1. Get on your knees to the dog’s level.
2. Put a treat on your palm and enclose it in a fist.
3. Open the fist and let the dog have the treat when it paws at it.
4. Offer an open hand with no treat.
5. Feed a treat with the other hand when the dog paws.
6. Straighten your hand and repeat.
7. If the dog paws, introduce the command and carry on.

Purpose: To teach your dog to high-five and impress your peers.

How to Teach Your Dog to Give a High Five

You can start by letting your dog eat from the palm of your hand. Then, make a fist so that the dog uses its paw to get the treat out. After that, you offer an empty palm and feed the treat with the other hand when the dog paws. Soon, you are ready to offer a straight hand for the high five. Again, reward when the dog paws and add the “high five“ command. 

36. “Balance” Command

1. Hover a light object with a broad diameter around the dog’s head.
2. Reward it with a treat so it doesn’t flinch.
3. Place the object on the head when it gets comfortable with it.
4. Give a treat and quickly remove the object.
5. Slowly increase placement time, add a verbal command, and keep rewarding.

Purpose: To teach your dog a cool act for playtime and amusement.

How to Teach Your Dog to Balance Objects on Their Head

Do not use a heavy object or something with a small base that is difficult to balance. Some dogs may take more time to get comfortable with an object touching or placed on their head. Keep the dog motivated to learn the command by maintaining the supply of treats and praise. Slowly increase the time for the object to be placed on its head. Experiment with other objects later on. 

37. “Ring a Bell” Command

1. Place treats near the bell to get the dog interested.
2. Click and offer a treat every time it touches the bell.
3. Place the bell near the door and always ring it before taking the dog outside.  

Purpose: To teach the dogs to ring a bell when they need to go out and relieve themselves.

How to Teach Your Dog to Ring a Bell to Be Let Out

Teaching the dog how to ring the bell and when to ring the bell are two parts of this trick. Once the dog has learned to ring the bell, you place it near the main door and ring it yourself every time you take it outside. The dog will soon catch on that it can ring the bell when it needs to go out. 

38. “Commando” Command

1. Get the dog in a down position. 
2. Put a treat upfront its nose on the ground.
3. Slowly drag the treat across the ground.
4. Drag an empty hand across the floor and deliver a treat from the other hand when the dog crawls.
5. Introduce the command and repeat. 

Purpose: To teach your dog to move like a commando because it’s fascinating.

How to Teach a Dog to Crawl Towards You on Its Belly

To teach the dog to crawl on its belly, you have to ensure that it remains in a down position throughout the exercise. You have to drag the treats across the floor and start over if the dog gets up on all fours. Keep the treats coming and introduce command after the dog has perfected their commando crawl. 

39. “Wave” Command

1. Teach the dog to high-five.
2. Step backward and reward the dog for pawing at the air.
3. Keep increasing the distance and add the “wave” command.

Purpose: To teach your dog to wave because it looks cute.

How to Teach Your Dog to Wave Hello and Goodbye

The wave command is an extension of the high-five command, so it’s best to teach your dog the latter first. Once your dog has mastered the high five, getting it to do the wave shall be a piece of cake. You have to present a treat to the dog for pawing at the air, so it knows that it is not supposed to touch your hand. Later, you will introduce the wave command and keep up the practice. 

40. “Smile” Command 

1. Reward the dog for touching your hand with its nose.  
2. Reward the dog for touching your finger with its nose.
3. Use the command when the dog puts its nose on your finger and shows teeth.
4. Reward and repeat.

Purpose: To see your dog smile and brighten your day.

How to Teach Your Dog to Smile

Your dog must be comfortable touching its nuzzle to your hand before it can be taught to smile. You start with the hand and then transition to a single finger while the treats keep coming. The reward builds trust, and eventually, the dog will be comfortable putting their nose on your finger and revealing the lovely canine smile. 

41. “Bring that” Command

1. Choose a random object (e.g., a blanket) and wiggle it before the dog.
2. Put it away when the dog has developed an interest in it.
3. Tap and point at the item to encourage the dog to pick it up.
4. Move around and afar to entice the dog to bring it to you.
5. Introduce a command when the dog starts bringing the item to you.

Purpose: To teach the dog to bring you things on command.

How to Teach Your Dog to Bring You Things

Before you can convince a dog to bring you an item, you have to make it believe that it is okay to hold that thing in their mouth. You also need to provide a reason for the dog to develop an interest in the item. This can be achieved by moving the item erratically. After that, you can use the “come” command and reward the dog if it brings the item along. The command “bring it” can be introduced later after making considerable progress. 

42. “Wipe Paws” Command

1. Bring out the mat and move around it.
2. Reward your dog with a treat when it gets over the mat.
3. Don’t reward the same action twice.
4. Reward and praise when the dog paws and scratches at the mat.
5. Repeat with the command.

Purpose: To teach your dog to clean its paws when it comes inside the house.

How to Teach Your Dog to Wipe Its Paws Before Coming Inside

This command needs to be taught with the particular mat on which the dog is intended to wipe its paws. In the beginning, you shall reward the dog for simply getting over the mat. Later, you only reward it when it performs the desired action. Then you start using the command “wipe paws” or “clean paws,” followed by a treat. 

43. “Walk Tall” Command

1. Hold a treat above the dog’s nose.
2. Move it upwards, so the dog stands up on its toes.
3. Hold up the treat for a little longer the next time.  
4. Reward and repeat.

Purpose: To teach your dog to walk on two legs and blend in with humans.

How to Teach Your Dog to Walk on Hind Legs

Every dog does not possess the same level of balance, so be patient if your dog doesn’t understand the command quickly. Give treat immediately at the first attempt and slowly increase the duration with each turn. Try again the next day if the dog cannot stand past a certain time or gets frustrated. 

44. “Sit Pretty” Command

1. Tell your dog to sit.
2. Hold a treat above its nose and move higher.
3. Reward it with the treat when it holds up its front paws to get the treat.
4. Repeat it with the command “Sit Pretty” and gradually increase the duration.

Purpose: To teach your dog to look super cute for the camera.

How to Teach Your Dog to Sit Pretty

Get your dog into a sitting position and lure it up with a treat above its nose. Let the dog have the treat when it holds up its front paws in the air. Do not reward it if it gets up on all fours. Repeat several times with the command and gradually increase the duration before feeding it the treat. 

45. “Open” Command

1. Get a rope toy for the door handle.
2. Encourage the dog to mouth and tug at the toy.
3. Use the command “open” and reward it with a treat when it tugs the rope.
4. Attach the rope to the door handle and repeat the process several times.

Purpose: To teach your dog to open doors for matters of convenience.

How to Teach Your Dog to Open a Door

Firstly, you need to ensure that the dog engages with the rope toy and develops an interest in it. When the dog is constantly mouthing and pulling at the rope, you can attach it to the door handle. Use the command “open” at each successful tug and reward with a treat. 

46. “Close” Command 

1. Put tape on your hand and get the dog to touch it.
2. Transfer tape to the door at the dog’s nose level.
3. Reward the dog for pushing the door and add a command.

Purpose: To teach the dog to close the door after coming in or when someone leaves.

How to Teach Your Dog to Close a Door

The close command has multiple variations with respect to different door sizes and weights. You begin by using your hand as the target by putting tape on your palm. When the dog performs the desired motion, you may shift to the door and start using the “push” or “close” command. After several attempts, you will teach the dog to push or close the door without tape. 

47. “Peek-a-boo” Command

1. Lure your dog between your legs with a treat.
2. Reward it with a treat when it comes through to the front.
3. Introduce the command “peek-a-boo” and repeat.

Purpose: To teach your dog a classic game for playtime.

How to Teach Your Dog to Play Peek-a-Boo

The peek-a-boo command is easy to master with the lure method. However, it may take a few tries before the dog fully passes from between the legs. Save the reward for when the dog completes the task correctly. Start using the verbal command, and eventually see it happen without the treat lure. 

48. “Catch” Command

1. Toss a treat in the air for the dog to catch.
2. Give an extra treat when the dog catches it in its mouth.
3. Introduce the command “catch” when you toss.
4. Toss a lightweight toy or playball instead, and reward the catches.

Purpose: To teach your dog to catch things in its mouth, primarily for playtime.

How to Teach Your Dog to Catch Stuff in Mouth

It may take dozens of tries before your dog succeeds at catching a treat in its mouth. Just keep trying, and reward it with an extra treat when it gets there. Finally, it is time to start using the “catch” command and shifting to other objects. Stick to small and lightweight items to avoid discomforting your dog. 

49. “Howl” Command

1. Play howling sounds on your phone.
2. Wait for the dog to respond.
3. Reward the dog with a treat when it howls.
4. Use the “howl” command with sound effects.
5. Rely on command alone.

Purpose: To teach the dog to communicate like their ancestors and let you assume that you have a wolf.

How to Teach Your Dog to Howl Like a Wolf on Command

There are many ways to make a dog howl, but using wolf sound effects is the easiest one. The sound will attract your dog, and sooner or later, it will respond by howling back. You can also try howling yourself and see where that goes. Giving a treat after the dog howls will make it realize that it is a desired behavior.  

50. “Leap” Command

1. Lure the dog over the object with a treat.
2. Reward after it leaps over the intended object.
3. Introduce the command and repeat.
4. Try the command with different objects.

Purpose: To boost your dog’s brain power and keep them active.

How to Teach Your Dog to Leap Over Things or Hurdles

Teaching your dog to leap over and through stuff is great for playtime and for acing canine competitions. The treat lure method works best for this trick, and you can create many variations. Do not introduce the command until the dog fully understands what is expected from it. Reward the dog at the end of completing each cycle and raise the challenge.