Dog Training Guide

From Sit to Fetch by Name — real, four-step methods to teach your dog tricks. Keep it short, keep it frequent, praise big!

What is clicker training? You make a click at the exact moment your dog does the right thing, then give a treat. The click becomes a clear "Yes, that!" signal — faster and more precise than words.

Grade 1 Basics

Sit ★
The starting point for every trick — the first position to learn.
Down ★
A calm position that settles excitement and sets up many tricks.
Stay ★★
The most important everyday skill for keeping your dog safe.
Come ★
A dog that runs to you when called — the basis of safe walks.
Shake ★
A photo-friendly first trick and the base for High Five.

Grade 2 Intermediate

Spin ★★
A twirl on the spot — a routine favourite.
Spin Left ★★
Spinning both ways builds balance.
High Five ★★
Slap! A trick for celebrating together.
Play Dead ★★★
Say "Bang!" and down it goes — the actor's trick.
Touch ★★
A nose boop to the hand — a building block for many tricks.

Grade 3 Advanced

Jump ★★★
Over the bar! A trick for showing off athleticism.
Leg Weave ★★★★
Weaving through your legs in a figure 8 — an advanced trick.
Beg ★★★
Sitting up on the hind legs — irresistibly cute.
Fetch ★★★★
The king of games: throw it and it comes back.
Bow ★★★
A neat bow to end the routine.

Grade 4 Fun

Dance ★★★★
Twirling on the hind legs — the routine's big finale.
Yawn ★★
A yawn on cue — a lesson in patience.
Speak ★★
One bark on cue — and only on cue.
Wink ★★★
A cheeky wink that steals every photo.
Back Up ★★★
Backing up step by step — great for body awareness.

Grade 5 Tricks

Roll Over ★★★★
One full roll — the first trick of the Trick class.
Crawl ★★★
Belly low, sneaking forward — great for body awareness.
Wave ★★★
A paw raised to say bye — perfect for goodbyes.
Sit Pretty ★★★★
Paws together, begging sweetly — a heart-melter.
Chin Down ★★★
Chin on the floor, eyes looking up — a lesson in calm.

Grade 6 Performance

High Ten ★★★★
Two paws, one big slap — the stage's happiest greeting.
Cover Eyes ★★★★
A paw over the eyes — the shy genius's curtain call.
Head Tilt ★★
A curious tilt — cuteness made for photos.
Chase Tail ★★★
Round and round after the tail — the crowd's favourite laugh.
Shake Off ★★
A full-body shake, nose to tail — a fresh stage opener.

Grade 7 Life Skills

Kiss ★★★
A boop with the nose — the most-used love trick at home.
Go to House ★★★★
"House!" and it trots to its own bed — a must for daily life.
Nose Push ★★★★
Rolling the ball with its nose — a little soccer star.
Left & Right Paw ★★★★★
Left or right? Proof your genius understands words.
Fetch by Name ★★★★★
"Get the teddy!" — the true genius knows its toys by name.

New to the game? See How to play.