Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, and for good reason. They are friendly, loyal, and intelligent, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. However, as with any pet, it’s important to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. One way to do this is by teaching them new tricks.
While basic obedience training is important, it can also be fun to teach your Golden Retriever some more advanced and unusual tricks. In this article, you’ll find 18 fun and unique tricks that you can teach your furry friend. These tricks not only provide mental stimulation and physical exercise, but they also strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
From playing dead to giving high-fives, these tricks are sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re a seasoned dog trainer or a first-time owner, these tricks are easy to learn and can be taught in just a few simple steps. So, grab some treats and get ready to have some fun with your Golden Retriever!
Intermediate Tricks
Roll Over
Teaching your Golden Retriever to roll over is a fun trick that can impress your friends and family. Start by commanding your dog to lie down. Then, hold a treat close to their nose and move it around in a circular motion, encouraging them to follow it with their head. As they follow the treat, their body should naturally roll over. Once they complete the roll, reward them with the treat and praise. Repeat this process until they can roll over on command.
Shake Hands
Shaking hands is a classic trick that many dogs can learn. Start by commanding your dog to sit. Then, take their paw in your hand and say “shake” while giving them a treat. Repeat this process until they can shake hands on command. Once they have mastered this trick, you can try teaching them to shake with their other paw as well.
High Five
Similar to shaking hands, teaching your Golden Retriever to give a high five is a fun and impressive trick. Start by commanding your dog to sit. Then, hold your hand up and say “high five” while gently tapping their paw. When they give you their paw, reward them with a treat and praise. Repeat this process until they can give a high five on command.
Salute
Teaching your Golden Retriever to salute is a unique and fun trick. Start by commanding your dog to sit. Then, hold a treat in front of their face and slowly move it up towards their forehead. As they follow the treat, their paw should naturally lift up to touch their forehead. Once their paw touches their forehead, reward them with the treat and praise. Repeat this process until they can salute on command.
Clean Up Your Toys
Teaching your Golden Retriever to clean up their toys is a practical and useful trick. Start by commanding your dog to “fetch” a toy. Once they have the toy in their mouth, say “clean up” and lead them to a designated toy bin or area. Encourage them to drop the toy in the bin and reward them with a treat and praise. Repeat this process until they can clean up their toys on command.
Bounce a Ball
Bouncing a ball is a fun and simple trick that can be taught to your Golden Retriever. Start by commanding your dog to “fetch” a ball. Once they have the ball in their mouth, say “bounce” and gently toss the ball towards the ground. Encourage them to catch the ball as it bounces back up. Reward them with a treat and praise each time they successfully catch the ball. Repeat this process until they can bounce a ball on command.
Get Me a Drink
Teaching your Golden Retriever to get you a drink is a unique and impressive trick. Start by training your dog to fetch a water bottle or can. Once they have mastered this, start training them to bring the water bottle or can to you on command. Once they have successfully brought you the drink, reward them with a treat and praise. Repeat this process until they can get you a drink on command.
Advanced Tricks
Play Dead
Teaching your Golden Retriever to play dead is a fun and impressive trick. Start by having your dog lay down and then gently roll them onto their side. Use the command “play dead” and give them a treat. Gradually increase the time they stay in the position before giving them a treat. With practice, they will learn to stay in the position until you give them the command to get up.
Back Up
Teaching your Golden Retriever to back up is a useful trick that can help in situations where you need your dog to move back. Start by standing in front of your dog and using the command “back up” while gently walking towards them. When they take a step back, give them a treat. Gradually increase the distance they move back before giving them a treat.
Speak
Teaching your Golden Retriever to speak on command is a fun trick that can also be useful in alerting you to potential danger. Start by getting your dog excited by playing with a toy or making a noise. When they bark, use the command “speak” and give them a treat. Gradually phase out the toy or noise so they learn to bark on command.
Army Crawl
Teaching your Golden Retriever to army crawl is a fun and impressive trick. Start by having your dog lay down and then gently pull them forward while using the command “crawl”. When they move forward, give them a treat. Gradually increase the distance they move before giving them a treat.
Skateboard
Teaching your Golden Retriever to ride a skateboard is a fun and challenging trick. Start by getting your dog comfortable with standing on the skateboard while it is stationary. Then, gently push them forward while holding onto their collar. Use the command “skateboard” and give them a treat. Gradually decrease the amount of assistance you provide until they can ride on their own.
Play Piano
Teaching your Golden Retriever to play piano is a fun and unique trick. Start by getting your dog comfortable with standing on a designated spot in front of a keyboard. Then, gently press down on a key while using the command “play piano” and give them a treat. Gradually increase the number of keys they press before giving them a treat.
Fun Tricks
Fetch a Specific Toy
Teaching your Golden Retriever to fetch a specific toy is a fun and useful trick. Start by teaching your dog the names of their toys. Once they have learned the names, place two different toys in front of them and ask them to fetch a specific one by name. Reward your dog with a treat and praise when they fetch the correct toy. Gradually increase the difficulty by adding more toys and asking them to fetch specific ones.
Hide and Seek
Hide and seek is a fun game to play with your Golden Retriever. Start by having your dog sit and stay while you hide. Once you are hidden, call out your dog’s name and encourage them to come find you. Reward your dog with a treat and praise when they find you. Gradually increase the difficulty by hiding in more challenging spots.
Dance
Teaching your Golden Retriever to dance is a fun and entertaining trick. Start by holding a treat above your dog’s head and moving it in a circle. As your dog follows the treat, they will naturally start to dance. Reward your dog with a treat and praise when they dance. Gradually increase the difficulty by adding more complex dance moves.
Play Soccer
Teaching your Golden Retriever to play soccer is a fun and active trick. Start by teaching your dog to push a small ball with their nose or paw. Once they have mastered this, introduce a larger ball and teach them to dribble the ball with their paws. Reward your dog with a treat and praise when they successfully dribble the ball.
Sneeze
Teaching your Golden Retriever to sneeze on command is a fun and unique trick. Start by tickling your dog’s nose until they sneeze. As they sneeze, say the command “sneeze” and reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually decrease the amount of tickling needed until your dog sneezes on command.
Say Your Prayers
Teaching your Golden Retriever to say their prayers is a cute and impressive trick. Start by having your dog sit and stay. Then, place a treat on the ground in front of them and encourage them to put their paws on the treat. As they do this, say the command “say your prayers” and reward them with a treat and praise. Gradually increase the amount of time they hold the position.
Sing
Teaching your Golden Retriever to sing is a fun and entertaining trick. Start by playing a song with a high-pitched tone and encouraging your dog to howl along. Reward your dog with a treat and praise when they successfully sing along. Gradually increase the difficulty by playing more complex songs.
