Training your German Shepherd with tricks is not only a fun and engaging activity, but it also helps strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion. These tricks stimulate their minds, provide mental and physical exercise, and allow you to showcase their intelligence and obedience.
From classic tricks like “shake” and “spin” to more advanced ones like “play dead” and “take a bow,” each one offers a unique challenge and opportunity for bonding.
In this article, we’ll dive into ten amazing tricks that will amaze your friends and family while keeping your German Shepherd entertained and engaged.
1. Shake Hands
Teaching your German Shepherd to shake hands is a classic trick that is both fun and simple. It’s a great starting point for introducing your dog to the world of tricks and building their confidence.
Start by commanding your dog to sit, ensuring they’re in a calm and focused state. Hold a treat in your hand and let your dog sniff it, allowing the enticing aroma to capture their attention. Then, say “shake” in a clear and enthusiastic voice, and gently lift your dog’s paw with your other hand.
As soon as their paw is in your hand, praise them enthusiastically and give them the treat, reinforcing the desired behavior. Repeat this process several times, gradually reducing your physical guidance and relying more on the verbal command.
With consistent practice, your German Shepherd will begin to offer their paw on command, proudly shaking hands like a well-mannered canine companion.
2. Spin in a Circle
Spinning in a circle is a playful and entertaining trick that is sure to captivate your audience. It not only showcases your dog’s agility and coordination but also adds an element of fun to your training sessions.
To begin, have a treat in hand and hold it near your dog’s nose. Slowly move the treat in a circular motion, encouraging your dog to follow it with their nose. As they track the treat, their body will naturally turn, allowing you to guide them through a full spin.
Use the command “spin” in a clear and upbeat tone as they complete the circle. Reward them immediately with the treat and enthusiastic praise.
Practice this a few times, varying the direction of the spin, and your dog will soon be spinning on cue, adding a delightful twirl to their repertoire.
3. Play Dead
This dramatic trick, “play dead,” is a favorite among dog owners and spectators alike. It involves your German Shepherd playing dead when you give the command “bang.”
Begin with your dog in a lying down position, which should be a well-established command. Use a treat to lure them onto their side, gently guiding their body to the ground. As they lie on their side, say “bang” in a firm but gentle tone, and guide them onto their back, ensuring they remain still.
Reward them generously with treats and praise for staying in that position. With repeat practice, your dog will learn to drop and play dead on command, making for a truly impressive and entertaining trick.
4. High Five
Similar to shaking hands, the “high five” trick involves your dog raising their paw for a celebratory high five. Start by commanding your dog to sit, ensuring they’re focused and attentive. Hold a treat above their head, just out of reach.
As they naturally reach up with a paw to try and get the treat, say “high five” in an encouraging tone. As soon as their paw makes contact with your hand, reward them with the treat and enthusiastic praise.
After a few repetitions, your dog should catch on and high five on command, making for a delightful interactive trick that strengthens your bond.
5. Roll Over
Rolling over is a charming trick that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to teach your German Shepherd. Start with your dog in a lying down position, a command they should already know well. Hold a treat by their nose and slowly move it from their nose to their shoulder, encouraging them to follow it with their head and roll onto their side.
As they roll, continue moving the treat towards their back, prompting them to complete the roll over onto their back.
Use the command “roll over” in a clear and encouraging voice as they perform the trick. Reward them generously with the treat and praise once they complete the roll.
Practice several times, gradually reducing your physical guidance, and your dog will soon be rolling over on command, showcasing their flexibility and obedience.
6. Speak
Teaching your German Shepherd to bark on command, or “speak,” can be both fun and useful. The key is to find a situation where your dog naturally barks, such as when they hear a doorbell or see a squirrel outside.
Just before they bark, use the command “speak” paired with a hand signal, such as raising your hand. As soon as they bark, reward them immediately with a treat and praise. With consistent practice, your dog will learn to associate the command and hand signal with barking and respond accordingly.
This trick not only showcases their obedience but also allows you to encourage or discourage barking as needed, making it a valuable addition to your training repertoire.
7. Quiet
Once your German Shepherd has mastered the “speak” command, teaching them the “quiet” command can be incredibly beneficial in controlling unnecessary barking. When your dog barks, use the command “quiet” in a firm but gentle tone and wait patiently until they stop barking.
As soon as they become silent, reward them generously with a treat and praise. Timing is crucial here; they need to associate the act of being quiet with the reward.
With consistent practice, your dog will learn to stop barking on command, providing you with a valuable tool for maintaining a peaceful household and ensuring your dog’s barking is appropriate and under control.
8. Take a Bow
The “take a bow” trick is a charming and graceful maneuver that is sure to impress your friends and family. It involves your German Shepherd bending their front legs while keeping their back legs straight, as if taking a bow after a performance.
Start with your dog standing, and hold a treat down to the ground in front of their paws. As they reach down to get the treat, gently guide their chest down with your other hand and say “bow” in a clear and encouraging tone.
Reward them generously with the treat and praise while they are in the bowing position. Practice repeatedly, gradually reducing your physical guidance, until your dog understands to bow on command.
This elegant trick showcases their obedience and intelligence while adding a touch of refinement to their repertoire.
9. Fetch
Fetch is a classic game that not only keeps your German Shepherd active and entertained but also reinforces their obedience and retrieving skills.
Begin by showing your dog a favorite toy or ball and getting them excited about it. Then, throw it a short distance and give the command “fetch.” Encourage your dog to retrieve the toy and bring it back to you.
As soon as they return with the toy, reward them with praise, treats, and playtime. Gradually increase the distance as your dog becomes more confident and proficient at the task.
This simple yet engaging game not only provides mental and physical stimulation but also strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion.
10. Peekaboo
The “peekaboo” trick is an adorable and crowd-pleasing maneuver that showcases your German Shepherd’s intelligence and playfulness. It involves teaching your dog to hide their eyes with their paws, as if playing the classic game of peekaboo.
Start by placing a small piece of tape lightly on your dog’s nose, a harmless but slightly annoying sensation that will prompt them to try and remove it with their paw. When they do, say “peekaboo” in an excited and encouraging tone, and reward them with a treat.
Repeat this process a few times until they associate the action of covering their eyes with their paw with the command “peekaboo.”
Gradually remove the tape and rely solely on the verbal command. With practice, your dog will delight audiences by hiding their eyes and playing peekaboo on cue, making for a truly endearing and entertaining trick.
