In my training classes, I always add a few doggie tricks to the curriculum. While most owners are eager to teach their dog to sit, stay and walk politely on leash, they soon discover the fun and functionality of teaching their dog tricks.

You may think of tricks as something that you saw a dog do on David Letterman’s “Stupid Pet Tricks.” But, teaching your dog to do a few behaviors on cue is not only fun, but will encourage positive behaviors.

Teaching your dog to shake or wave with her paw gives her a way of politely greeting visitors to your home. When your dog realizes she will get lots of attention for shaking hands rather than jumping up, the jumping behavior will decrease. Teach your dog how to play dead and your previously pugnacious pug would rather lie still just to see the hilarious response she has elicited from your guests.

Teaching these and other tricks is much easier than you think. One of the best things about teaching tricks is that it is usually as fun for you as for your dog. As pet owners, we don’t get as frustrated if our dog won’t wave as much as if they won’t sit, heel on leash or stay.

Teaching your dog a trick is no different than teaching her a behavior like sit. When you teach her to sit, you use a treat to lure her into a sitting position and then reward her with a treat. To teach your dog to shake or wave, hold a tantalizing treat in your closed hand just about at her breastbone. She can’t quite get the treat with their mouth and this tends to encourage her to attempt to get the treat by pawing at it. As soon as your dog lifts her paw up, even if it is a tiny movement, say “shake” or “wave” and reward her with a treat. After several repetitions your dog will start to lift her paw more consistently. In time you can eliminate the treat and just your praise will be enough to encourage her to shake.

Teaching your dog to play dead is easy, fun and a crowd pleaser. Lure your dog into a sit then a down position. Taking your time, place your dog over on her side then onto her back. Hold her still and give her a treat while saying “Bang”. Every time she becomes still reward her with another treat. Soon your dog will learn that lying quietly when you say “Bang” will increase her rewards. With practice your dog will more quickly move from a sit to down position then onto her back. The treat will no longer be necessary, as your dog will be fully rewarded by everyone’s hysterical laughter.

Any trick can be taught to your dog using these same methods. Rover’s ability to learn and perform new tricks is only limited by your imagination.