Advanced Puppy Training Tricks
As a veterinarian with over a decade of experience—and someone who runs a sanctuary for stray dogs and cats—I’ve trained more puppies than I can count. And let me tell you, the earlier you start advanced training, the better. Puppies are like sponges. They pick up habits—good and bad—faster than you think.
Most people stop at sit, stay, and maybe a shaky version of “come.” Big mistake. A well-trained puppy grows into a well-behaved adult dog. If you put in the effort now, you won’t be dealing with a stubborn, out-of-control dog later.
So, if you’ve already got the basics down, it’s time to step it up. Here are some advanced tricks to teach your puppy that will sharpen their mind, improve their obedience, and make them an all-around better companion.
1. Place Command: Teaching Boundaries
This isn’t just a trick—it’s a game-changer for controlling your puppy’s behavior. “Place” means they go to a specific spot (like a dog bed or mat) and stay there until you release them.
How to Teach It:
- Lead your puppy to the designated spot.
- Say “Place” and reward them when they step onto it.
- Increase the time they stay there before rewarding.
- Add distractions—other people, toys, even food—until they can stay in place no matter what.
A puppy that knows “Place” won’t be under your feet when you’re cooking, won’t charge guests at the door, and won’t hover around the dinner table.
2. Spin: A Fun Trick That Sharpens Focus
“Spin” is one of those tricks that looks impressive but is actually easy to teach. It also helps with body awareness and coordination—especially for clumsy puppies.
How to Teach It:
- Hold a treat near your puppy’s nose and slowly move it in a circle.
- When they follow the treat and complete the spin, reward them.
- Add the verbal cue “Spin” before you lure them.
- Practice in both directions to strengthen coordination.
Once your pup masters this, you can add more complex moves like figure-eights or weaving through your legs.
3. Take a Bow: A Crowd-Pleaser with Practical Benefits
This trick isn’t just cute—it’s great for stretching and can be a stepping stone for other commands.
How to Teach It:
- Start with your puppy standing.
- Hold a treat near their nose and slowly lower it between their front legs.
- When they lower their front end but keep their back legs straight, reward them.
- Add the verbal cue “Bow” once they start doing it reliably.
This is a great trick to mix into training sessions to loosen up their muscles after working on more structured commands.
4. Fetch by Name: Teaching Your Puppy to Retrieve Specific Items
Most dogs love fetch, but imagine if your puppy could bring you specific toys—or even your keys.
How to Teach It:
- Start with their favorite toy and give it a name (“Ball,” “Rope,” etc.).
- Say the toy’s name as you encourage them to pick it up. Reward them when they do.
- Once they understand the name, add another toy and repeat.
- Eventually, ask them to fetch the correct toy by name.
This one takes time, but once they get it, the possibilities are endless. Some dogs even learn to fetch the TV remote!
5. Quiet on Command: Controlling Barking Before It Becomes a Habit
If you don’t get barking under control early, you’ll regret it. Teaching your puppy to stop barking on cue saves you (and your neighbors) a lot of frustration.
How to Teach It:
- Wait for your puppy to bark naturally.
- Say “Quiet” in a calm, firm voice.
- The second they stop, reward them.
- If they struggle, redirect their attention with a treat or toy.
- Repeat until they associate “Quiet” with stopping the noise.
Never yell—it only makes barking worse. Stay calm and consistent, and they’ll catch on.
6. Back Up: Teaching Spatial Awareness
“Back up” is useful for getting your dog out of tight spaces, keeping them from crowding you, or adding a cool move to their trick routine.
How to Teach It:
- Stand in front of your puppy and gently step toward them.
- The moment they step back, say “Back” and reward them.
- Gradually increase the number of steps they take before getting a treat.
- Once they understand, practice in different locations (hallways, doorways, etc.).
This trick gives them better body control and reinforces boundaries in a fun way.
Final Thoughts
Puppies are smarter than people give them credit for. The more you challenge them, the better they behave. Advanced tricks aren’t just about showing off—they improve focus, impulse control, and communication between you and your dog.
Be patient, be consistent, and keep training sessions fun. If your puppy gets frustrated, take a break and try again later. But don’t let them get away with ignoring commands—set expectations now, and you’ll have a well-behaved, responsive dog for life.
No shortcuts, no slacking. Put in the work now, and you’ll thank yourself later.
