In theory, training your dog should be a rollercoaster ride of fun and excitement, but for many people, if they’re honest, it’s mostly boring and a bit of a chore. Dog training ideas typically stretch to the unimaginative basics of sit, stay and lie down.
Dull! Dull! Dull!
Dogs love to do things that engage their active little brains. No wonder your furry friend would rather chase the neighbor’s cat than do another tedious training session.
It doesn’t have to be that way!
Dog training techniques can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your furry friend.
To prove this, we’ve put together a list of 10 unique dog training ideas that go way beyond the basics.
These activities will keep your furry friend mentally stimulated while strengthening your special bond.
Whether you’re dealing with a playful puppy or an uninterested older dog that could use a new trick or two, we’ve got something for everyone.
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1. Scent Games
What is it?
Scent games tap into your dog’s natural sniffing abilities, turning them into a fun training activity.
This exercise involves creating scent trails for your pup to follow, using treats or toys as rewards.
How it Works?
To play, start by letting your dog watch you hide a treat or toy. Then, give them a command like “find it” and encourage them to seek out the item.
As they get better, you can make the trails longer and more complex, even hiding treats in different rooms or outdoor spaces.
Why It’s Fun!
This game is enjoyable because it mimics your dog’s instinctive foraging behavior.
It’s mentally stimulating and can help tire out energetic dogs without requiring too much physical exertion.
Plus, it’s fun to watch your pup’s excitement as they follow their nose to the prize.
Pro tip
Use extra smelly treats to make the game easier at first. As your dog improves, you can switch to less fragrant rewards to increase the challenge and test their brain.
2. Yoga with Your Dog (Doga)
What is it?
No really, this is a real thing!
Doga is a playful twist on yoga that involves your furry friend in your exercise routine.
This activity combines gentle stretches and poses with bonding time, creating a unique and relaxing experience for both you and your dog.
How it Works?
To practice doga, start with simple poses that allow your dog to be near you or even on you.
For example, you might do a seated forward bend while your dog rests between your legs, or incorporate your pup into a standing pose by gently lifting them.
Always move slowly and pay attention to your dog’s comfort level.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity is fun because it provides a calm, shared experience. It can help reduce stress for both you and your dog, and it’s a great way to spend quality time together.
Many dogs enjoy the gentle touching and stretching, and it can be especially beneficial for anxious or high-energy pups.
Pro tip
Keep sessions short at first, around 5-10 minutes, and use treats to encourage your dog to participate.
The goal is relaxation and bonding, not perfect poses.
3. DIY Agility Course
What is it?
A DIY agility course transforms your backyard or living room into a mini obstacle course for your dog.
This activity involves creating jumps, tunnels, and weave poles using everyday household items.
How it Works?
To set up your course, use items like cardboard boxes for tunnels, broomsticks balanced on chairs for jumps, and evenly spaced garden stakes or pool noodles for weave poles.
Guide your dog through the course, using treats and praise to encourage them. Start with just a few obstacles and gradually add more as your dog becomes more confident.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity is exciting because it provides both physical and mental stimulation.
Dogs often love the challenge and variety, and it’s entertaining to watch them navigate the obstacles.
It’s also a great way to burn off excess energy, especially on days when long walks aren’t possible.
Pro tip
Keep safety in mind when designing your course. Ensure all items are secure and can’t fall on your dog.
For small or older dogs, keep jumps low to avoid strain on their joints.
4. Clicker Training
What is it?
Clicker training is a method of dog behavior training that uses a small handheld device to make a clicking sound to mark desired behaviors.
This precise timing helps train your dog to understand exactly what they did right, making it easier for them to learn new commands and for you to teach dog tricks.
How it Works?
To begin, you’ll need to “charge” the clicker by clicking and immediately giving a treat several times.
Once your dog associates the click with a reward, you can start using it to mark behaviors you want to reinforce.
For example, if you’re teaching “sit,” click the moment your dog’s bottom touches the floor, then give a treat.
Why It’s Fun!
This technique is enjoyable because it’s clear and consistent, which can make training sessions more productive and less frustrating for both you and your dog.
Many dogs find it engaging and exciting, as they learn to offer behaviors to earn that rewarding click.
Pro tip
If you don’t have a clicker, you can use a consistent verbal marker like “yes” or “good” instead.
The key is to be consistent and have precise timing with your marker and reward.
5. Teach Your Dog to Clean Up Toys
What is it?
This clever trick teaches your dog to pick up their toys and put them in a designated basket or box.
This practical skill is a win, win for house proud mom’s, that can keep your home tidy while giving your dog a fun task to perform.
How it Works?
Start by teaching your dog to “drop it” into the toy box.
Hold a toy near the box, give the command, and reward them when they release it into the container.
Gradually increase the distance between your dog and the box.
Once they’ve mastered this, you can start asking them to pick up toys from the floor and bring them to the box.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity is fun because it turns a chore into a game.
Dogs often enjoy the praise and rewards they get for completing the task, and it gives them a sense of purpose.
Plus, it’s always impressive to show off to friends and family!
Pro tip
Use a shallow, wide basket that’s easy for your dog to drop toys into.
6. Interactive Feeding
What is it?
Interactive feeding involves using puzzle toys or hiding treats around your home to make mealtime more engaging for your dog.
This method turns eating into a mentally stimulating activity rather than just a routine.
How it Works?
To start, you can use store-bought puzzle feeders or create your own by hiding kibble in muffin tins covered with tennis balls, or scattering food in a snuffle mat.
You can also hide small portions of food around your house for your dog to find.
Give your dog easy challenges to begin with and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog becomes more skilled.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity is enjoyable because it taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts.
It provides mental exercise, which can be just as tiring as physical exercise for many dogs.
Watching your pup problem-solve to get their food can be highly entertaining, and many dogs seem to prefer working for their meals.
Pro tip
If you’re hiding food around the house, be sure to keep track of where you’ve placed it to avoid forgotten, spoiled food.
Also, supervise your dog during interactive feeding to ensure they don’t become frustrated or try to destroy puzzle toys.
7. Teach a Fun Trick (e.g., Play Dead)
What is it?
Of all the dog training ideas, teaching your dog a fun trick like “play dead” adds some real fun to your sessions and gives you a chance to entertain friends and family with your furry friend’s new found skills.
This trick involves your dog lying down and rolling onto their side or back when given a specific command.
How it Works?
Start by having your dog lie down.
Then, gently roll them onto their side while saying your chosen command (like “bang” or “play dead”).
Reward them for staying in this position.
Gradually reduce your physical guidance and increase the time they stay “dead” before getting a treat.
With practice, your dog will learn to dramatically “die” on command.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity is fun because it’s a bit silly and always gets a laugh from anyone watching.
It’s also a great confidence booster for your dog as they master a more complex behavior.
The process of learning the trick provides mental stimulation, and performing it can be a great way for shy dogs to interact with people in a controlled, positive way.
Pro tip
Use a clear, unique hand signal along with your verbal command. Some people point their finger like a gun, which can make the trick even more dramatic.
Keep training sessions short and always end on a positive note.
8. Teach Your Dog to Catch a Frisbee
What is it?
Teaching your dog to catch a frisbee is a classic outdoor activity that combines training with exercise.
This skill involves your dog learning to chase, catch, and return a flying frisbee to you.
How it Works?
Begin by getting your dog interested in the frisbee through games of tug or fetch on the ground.
Once they’re excited about the toy, start with gentle, low throws.
Praise and reward your dog for any interaction with the frisbee, gradually working up to catching it in the air.
Practice in an open area, increasing the distance of your throws as your dog improves.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity taps into many dogs’ natural instincts to chase and retrieve.
It provides excellent physical exercise and can be a great way to bond with your dog outdoors.
The satisfaction of seeing your pup make that perfect mid-air catch is hard to beat, and it’s an impressive skill to show off at the park.
Pro tip
Use a soft, flexible frisbee designed for dogs to prevent mouth injuries.
Start with shorter sessions to avoid overexertion, especially on hot days.
Warm up your dog with some light play before attempting big jumps or catches.
9. Water Games
What is it?
Water games offer a refreshing twist on standard training activities, perfect for cooling off on warm days.
These can include fetching toys from shallow water, playing tug-of-war in a kiddie pool, or even teaching your dog to jump into a lake or pool on command.
How it Works?
To introduce water games, start in very shallow water to build your dog’s confidence.
Use floating toys or treats to encourage interaction with the water.
For pool-based games, teach your dog where the steps are for safe entry and exit.
Gradually move to deeper water as your dog becomes more comfortable.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity is enjoyable because it combines the fun of water play with training.
Many dogs love splashing around, and it’s a great way to exercise without overheating.
Pro tip
Always supervise your dog around water, even if they’re a strong swimmer.
Introduce a life jacket for added safety, especially in open water.
After water play, rinse your dog off to remove chlorine or other substances that might irritate their skin.
10. Teach Your Dog to Dance
What is it?
Doggy dancing, also known as canine freestyle, involves training your puppy a series of movements coordinated with your own, set to music.
This can include spins, weaves between your legs, paw touches, and occasional standing or walking on hind legs.
How it Works?
Begin with basic obedience, using dog commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.”
Then, introduce individual moves such as spinning in a circle or weaving between your legs as you walk.
Gradually chain these behaviors together and add music to create a routine.
Use treats and positive reinforcement to guide your dog through each step.
Why It’s Fun!
This activity is so much fun because it creates a unique way to interact with your dog.
It’s entertaining for both of you and can be a real crowd-pleaser at family gatherings.
The process of learning to dance also helps improve your dog’s balance, coordination, and ability to focus on you.
Pro tip
Keep training sessions short to avoid strain on your dog’s legs and back.
The goal is to have fun together, not to create a perfect routine.
Anxious Canine Recommends The Dog Tricks Course
If you want to take dog training ideas to the next level, the Dog Tricks Course from SpiritDog Training is an excellent way to teach your dog a range of fun and impressive tricks.
We highly recommend this course as it’s designed to be fun and engaging, offering a variety of cool dog tricks from basic to advanced levels.
It features clear, step-by-step instructions that make it easy for anyone to follow.
But what truly sets SpiritDog courses apart, is the personal and lifetime feedback from professional trainers, which ensures you receive continuous support and guidance throughout your training journey.
I’ve never seen that sort of support anywhere else!
SpiritDog Training gives lifetime access to all materials, allowing you to progress at your own pace and revisit lessons as needed.
Their customer support is amazing, and you are 100 percent protected with a 60 day money back guarantee, no questions asked.
There’s really nothing to lose.
The Dog Tricks Course really is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to boost their dog’s skills in a fun way.
The Dog Tricks Course is a comprehensive guide to teaching your dog a variety of fun tricks, using positive reinforcement techniques. It includes unlimited personalized feedback from trainers, ensuring you have ongoing support tailored to your dog's needs.
Final Thoughts On Dog Training Ideas
Teach your furry friend some fun new tricks now you’re equipped with a whole new set of dog training ideas!
These unique activities are sure to keep your dog engaged and entertained while also strengthening that special bond you both have.
We’d love to hear about your experiences. Did your pup become a dancing star? Or maybe they surprised you with their scent game skills?
Don’t hesitate to share your stories and any other creative dog training ideas you’ve discovered along the way.
Disclaimer
All information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace your veterinarian's advice.
Jen is the founder of anxiouscanine.com, a leading resource for managing and treating anxiety in dogs. With over a decade of experience in working with rescue dogs, Jen holds diplomas in Understanding Canine Anxiety, Canine Holistic Health & Therapy, CBD Oil for Animals, and Zoopharmacognosy. Her expert insights help dog owners navigate the challenges of anxiety with compassionate, innovative solutions. Follow Jen’s guidance at Anxious Canine for a calmer, happier dog.