Trick Training: More Than Just Fun—It Builds Trust and Focus
If you’ve ever been to one of my talks on trick training, you already know: this is one of my absolute favorite parts of dog training.
Why? Because trick training looks like pure fun—and it is! But beneath the surface, it builds so much more:
👉 Trust
👉 Focus
👉 Confidence
👉 Problem-solving skills
👉 Joyful connection between dog and handler
And I’ll tell you a little secret: it’s also one of the best ways I’ve found to turn struggling teams into thriving teams.
Why Tricks Matter
Some people think of tricks as extra—cute party tricks that you teach if you have extra time.
But to me, tricks are core relationship-builders.
When you teach a trick:
✅ You and your dog are practicing clear communication
✅ You’re building reinforcement history (look how often your dog gets to win!)
✅ You’re helping your dog become a confident learner
✅ You’re learning how to break skills into tiny achievable steps
The result? A dog who loves learning—and a handler who’s better at teaching.
Roo’s Trick Journey
I didn’t start teaching tricks to Roo until much later in her life—but when we started, it became one of the most rewarding parts of our journey together.
I first really dove into trick training when I was going through my certification process for the Karen Pryor Academy. For part of my final assessment, I had to put together a 10-part behavior chain—10 individual tricks taught through clicker training.
Roo and I trained for it together, and I’m proud to say we absolutely smashed it on the exam!
And we didn’t stop there. At age 12, Roo earned her AKC Novice Trick title—proof that yes, you really can teach an old dog new tricks.
More importantly, it gave us a whole new way to connect in her later years. Trick training kept her mentally engaged and deepened our bond even further.
Bagheera’s Favorites
Bagheera loves trick training—and I love watching how it helps her stay engaged and joyful.
Some of her favorite tricks include:
👉 Spin
👉 Middle (coming to stand between my legs)
👉 Play dead
👉 Nose touch
Trick training has also become one of my favorite ways to help Bags regain focus when she gets a little too tuned in to the environment. If she starts getting distracted or aroused by something around us, I can cue a familiar trick—spin or middle are great for this—and it brings her attention right back to me.
It’s a fun and positive way to reset engagement, without having to resort to corrections or frustration.
How Trick Training Builds Focus
One of the big side benefits of trick training is improved focus.
When you’re teaching a new trick:
✅ Your dog has to tune in to you
✅ You’re practicing short, focused sessions
✅ You’re reinforcing engagement and persistence
I’ve had clients with reactive dogs or easily distracted dogs who were amazed at how trick training helped improve their dog’s ability to stay connected around distractions.
And because tricks are inherently fun, dogs are often more willing to stay engaged in a trick session than in more formal obedience work.
It’s Fun for Both Ends of the Leash
Finally—let’s not overlook this: trick training is just plain fun.
It’s a wonderful way to bring more play and joy into your training sessions. It helps you see your dog as a partner and a learner, not just as a “dog to be managed.”
When I work with clients whose relationships with their dogs have gotten a little strained—too much “don’t do this,” not enough joy—I often prescribe trick training.
Because when you and your dog start laughing together again, good things follow.
Final Thought
Trick training may look like fun—and it absolutely is—but it’s also one of the most powerful ways I know to build trust, focus, and connection with your dog.
Start simple. Pick something playful. Keep sessions short and joyful.
You might be amazed at how much your dog—and you—will grow along the way.
Curious about trick training?
I offer coaching sessions and workshops that help dogs and people discover the joy of learning together. Contact me to find out more!
