Pet care is about more than sheltering and feeding your furry friend—it also includes spending quality time with them. One of the best ways to bond with your dog is by teaching them to do tricks. These smart animals enjoy challenges, and learning new skills offers them both mental stimulation and exercise. Here are some easy tricks that are fun for you to teach and your dog to learn.

What Are Some Cool Tricks for Dogs?

1. Speak

Teach your dog to bark on command with a few simple steps. First, get them excited by playing for a few minutes, and then have them sit in front of you. Wave a treat around for them to see, and reward them with it when they make a noise. Repeat the process with the word "speak" as your dog makes another noise, and keep doing this to get them to associate the word with the action and reward. However, only reward your dog for sitting and barking, since barking at squirrels or neighbors outside the window shouldn't be encouraged.

2. Dance

Train your dog to dance by holding a treat over their head to get them to stand on two legs. Once they're standing, praise them and reward them with the treat. Repeat this process until they can do it easily and sturdily.

The next step is to get them to twirl around, though this is a bit harder to master. Move the treat in a circle around their head and say the word "dance." Repeat this step, rewarding them with treats and praise until they've become an expert.

3. Shake

This is one of the most popular dog tricks out there, and it's also one of the easiest to teach. Have your dog sit in front of you, and then take a treat and move it toward their paw. Your dog will naturally raise their paw in anticipation, so as they do, say "shake" and give them the treat. Repeat this process, holding the treat up a little higher each time until you reach chest height.

If you ever need to leave your furry friend behind when you go on a trip, turn to Furever Friends in Honolulu, HI. They understand how tough it can be to leave you pets for any length of time, so they offer first-class pet care and doggy accommodations you can feel good about. In addition to their comfortable boarding suites, they also offer essentials such as baths and a “doggy spaw” to make your pet feel their very best. Visit their website to learn more about their pet care services, or call them today at (808) 845-7297.