10 Essential Tricks to Teach Your New Puppy

Getting a new puppy is an exciting and rewarding experience for everyone involved! From choosing the perfect pup to gathering all the essentials, the preparation phase is filled with anticipation. However, once your furry friend is finally home, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

One of the best ways to build a strong bond, establish clear communication, and set your pup up for success is through basic training. Teaching simple tricks and skills early on not only enhances obedience but also makes learning fun for both of you.

To help you get started, here are 10 essential tricks and skills to teach your new puppy!

1. Sit

   
   

   

   
   

Start by holding a treat close to your puppy’s nose, ensuring they can see and smell it. Slowly lift the treat upward and slightly over their head, guiding them into a natural sitting position as their bottom lowers to the ground. The moment they sit, say the command “Sit” in a clear, upbeat tone and immediately reward them with the treat and praise.

With consistent practice, your puppy will begin associating the word with the action. Eventually, you can say “Sit” first, and once they respond correctly, reward them with a treat and positive reinforcement. Repetition and patience are key to mastering this foundational command!

2. Stay

Once your puppy has a solid understanding of the “Sit” command, you can begin teaching “Stay.”

Start by having your puppy sit. Then, with an open palm facing them, say “Stay” in a calm, firm tone as you take a small step back. If they move, gently guide them back into a sitting position and repeat the command. Keep sessions short and positive to avoid frustration.

When your puppy successfully stays in place, return to them, offer plenty of praise by saying “Yes! Good stay!”, and reward them with a treat. Gradually increase the distance and duration over time, reinforcing the command with consistency and patience.

3. Come

   
   

A strong recall is one of the most important skills your dog will learn, helping to keep them safe and ensuring they respond reliably throughout their life. As a puppy, building a positive association with the “Come” command is crucial for long-term success.

To start, kneel down and say “Come!” in an enthusiastic, encouraging tone. The moment your puppy comes to you, reward them generously with treats, praise, or even a favorite toy. You can reinforce this skill outside of structured training sessions by incorporating it into playtime—calling your pup to you and rewarding them when they respond.

4. Lie down

   
   

To teach your puppy the "Lay Down" command, start by holding a treat near their nose and gently guiding it towards the floor. As their body follows the treat, encourage them to lower themselves into a down position. The moment they settle, immediately say “Lay Down” in a calm, clear voice, and reward them with the treat.

5. Shake

   
   

   

   
   

To teach your puppy the “Shake” trick, gently lift one of their paws while saying “Shake” in a soft, encouraging tone. Alternatively, if your puppy naturally offers their paw, simply praise and reward them right away.

Repeat this process several times, gradually allowing them to understand that offering their paw in response to the command results in positive reinforcement.

6. Touch

   
   

To teach your puppy the “Touch” command, rub a treat in your hand to entice their curiosity and encourage them to sniff it. As soon as their nose makes contact with your hand, immediately say “Touch” in a cheerful tone and reward them with the treat.

This simple but adorable trick not only strengthens your bond but also provides a fun and engaging way to interact with your pup. Plus, there’s nothing more heartwarming than feeling their little boop on your hand! With practice, they’ll eagerly respond to the “Touch” command every time.

7. Drop

   
   

   

   
   

The "Drop It" command is essential for keeping your dog safe, especially since many dogs love to grab things they shouldn’t. Teaching your dog to listen to this command ensures they’ll drop any object on cue, preventing potential hazards.

Begin by engaging your puppy with a favorite toy during playtime. When they have a firm grip on the toy, hold a high-value treat near their nose and say "Drop It" in a calm, firm voice. As soon as they release the toy, immediately reward them with the treat.

As your puppy becomes more consistent, you can transition from using treats to simply swapping toys. When they drop one, offer them a different toy in exchange. This helps reinforce the behavior and makes the command more effective in everyday situations. With practice, your puppy will reliably drop whatever they have when asked!

8. Leash pressure

   
   

Leash pressure is an effective technique for building focus, control, and good walking habits in your dog, especially in new or distracting environments. Pulling on the leash can lead to frustration and behavioral issues, so it's essential to teach your dog how to walk calmly on a leash from the start.

Begin in a calm, neutral area where excitement levels are low, allowing your puppy to focus more easily. Attach the leash and gently apply pressure in the direction you want them to go. Once they move in the desired direction, immediately release the pressure on the leash, allowing it to loosen, and reward them with praise or a treat.

This method helps your puppy learn that walking with you and responding to leash cues leads to positive outcomes. With repetition, they’ll become more comfortable and responsive, leading to smoother, more enjoyable walks.

9. Neutrality

   
   
   
   

While neutrality practice may not completely eliminate a dog’s reactivity, it is a crucial step in helping them stay calm in the presence of distractions. Begin in a quiet, low-stress environment, like an empty park or parking lot, where the puppy can focus without being overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of crowded areas.

Start with a reasonable distance from potential triggers (like people or other dogs) and gradually decrease that distance as your puppy becomes more comfortable. The moment your puppy notices a person or dog but remains calm, mark the behavior with a clear cue and immediately reward them. If your puppy looks at you after noticing the trigger, reward them again.

This helps reinforce the idea that seeing people and dogs is a positive experience, but it’s not always a cue for play. Over time, this builds the foundation for calm behavior in more stimulating environments, allowing your puppy to maintain focus and self-control when confronted with triggers.

10. Place

    
    

To teach your dog the “Place” command, start by guiding them to their designated bed or blanket. Once they settle into the area, say “Place” in a calm, firm voice and reward them with praise or a treat. This reinforces that their bed or blanket is the desired spot.

As your dog begins to understand the command, gradually increase the challenge. Stand a little farther away, but not directly over the area, and give the “Place” command from this new position. When your dog obeys, walk over to them and offer a reward.

Teaching your dog tricks is not only a fun way to bond but also an excellent form of mental enrichment that can help tire them out. The time spent learning together strengthens communication and deepens your connection, ensuring that both you and your dog are living your best lives side by side!

Even if you've adopted an older dog, these basic tricks are a wonderful way to build trust and create a positive, engaging routine. Every dog, no matter their age, benefits from mental stimulation and positive reinforcement.

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments what kinds of tricks you’ve taught your puppy – I’m always looking for new ideas!

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Disclaimer: “I am not a professional or trainer. These are my personal experiences and what has worked for me. For specific advice or concerns, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian, a certified trainer, or a behaviorist.”