As breeders and trainers, we believe every dog benefits from learning more than just the basics. Teaching tricks like Spin, Speak, Roll Over, and Play Dead isn’t just fun—it’s an opportunity to build confidence, strengthen the bond between dog and handler, and set the stage for formal recognition through the AKC Trick Dog and Virtual Home Manners programs.
These tricks aren’t just for show. They help dogs develop focus, body awareness, and engagement, which are essential traits for raising a well-adjusted, trainable companion. Plus, they’re a great way to tire out that Golden Retriever brain we know and love!
🎥 We’re AKC CGC Evaluators and would love to review your video submissions for either program. Whether you’re working on your Novice Trick Dog title or completing your Virtual Home Manners checklist, we’re happy to help guide you through the process and celebrate your success!
🎓 AKC Trick Dog & Virtual Home Manners: What You Should Know
If you’re teaching your dog tricks, why not get official recognition for your progress?
✅ AKC Trick Dog Title
The AKC Trick Dog program includes multiple title levels, starting with Novice and advancing all the way to Performer. For the Novice level, dogs must demonstrate 10 tricks (or just 5 if they’ve earned the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) title).
Tricks like “Spin,” “Speak,” and “Play Dead” are all eligible!
🔗 Learn more about AKC Trick Dog titles
🏠 AKC Virtual Home Manners (VHM)
This is an excellent starting point for puppies or new pet parents. The Virtual Home Manners program focuses on life skills that show your dog is well-behaved at home—like waiting at doors, playing nicely, and being handled calmly.
It’s a fun, structured introduction to training, and the video submission option makes it convenient for at-home learners.
🔗 Explore AKC Virtual Home Manners
🎥 We’re AKC CGC Evaluators and would love to review your video submissions for either program. Whether you’re working on your Novice Trick Dog title or completing your Virtual Home Manners checklist, we’re happy to help guide you through the process and celebrate your success!
🐾 5 Basic Tricks to Start With
Here’s how we teach each trick using positive reinforcement. All you need are treats, patience, and a little playtime!
🔄 1. Spin
Goal: Your dog twirls in a full circle.
How We Teach It:
- Hold a treat in front of the dog’s nose.
- Slowly move your hand in a wide circle to lure their body around.
- As they follow, say “Spin” and reward when they complete the circle.
- Repeat in both directions—eventually name one “Spin” and the other “Twirl” if you want both cues!
💡 Tip: Spin is great for warming up before agility or obedience training.
🗣️ 2. Speak
Goal: Your dog barks on cue.
How We Teach It:
- Get your dog excited (a favorite toy or knock on a door may help).
- When they bark naturally, say “Speak” and immediately reward.
- Repeat until they associate the word with the action.
- Add a hand signal like a flicking finger or tapping your chest.
🧠 Why It’s Helpful: Once the dog learns to bark on cue, we follow up by teaching “Quiet” as the next step.
🔁 3. Roll Over
Goal: Your dog rolls onto their back and completes a full roll.
How We Teach It:
- Ask the dog to lie down.
- Hold a treat near their nose and slowly move it toward their shoulder and over.
- Encourage them to follow the motion with their body.
- Once they complete the roll, say “Roll Over!” and treat.
⚠️ Tip: This trick can take time—don’t rush or physically force your dog. Build it gradually and keep sessions fun.
💀 4. Play Dead (“Bang!”)
Goal: Your dog drops onto their side and stays still.
How We Teach It:
- Start with the dog in a down.
- Lure their head sideways and slightly back with a treat until they roll onto their side.
- When they stay down, say “Bang!” (or “Play Dead”) and reward.
- Use a playful cue like a finger gun if you like!
🎭 Fun Factor: This is always a crowd-pleaser and builds excellent impulse control.
🐾 5. Shake / High Five
Goal: Your dog offers a paw on cue.
How We Teach It:
- Ask the dog to sit.
- Gently lift one of their front paws while saying “Shake” or “High Five.”
- Reward immediately.
- After a few reps, wait for them to offer the paw on their own before treating.
🙌 Pro Tip: Add flair by switching to both paws or turning “Shake” into a wave!
🧠 Why Trick Training Is More Than Just Fun
As breeders and trainers, we love trick training because it:
- Keeps dogs mentally enriched
- Strengthens the human-animal bond
- Boosts confidence
- Improves focus and responsiveness
- Builds a foundation for future titles or activities
For high-energy breeds like Golden Retrievers, trick training is a fun way to direct their brains and bodies into positive, rewarding experiences.
🏆 Ready to Go Further?
If your dog is already learning tricks like these, you’re probably closer than you think to earning an AKC Trick Dog or Virtual Home Manners title. These are great ways to track progress, build motivation, and celebrate your training journey.
🎓 Learn more about AKC programs here:
🔗 AKC Trick Dog Titles
🔗 AKC Virtual Home Manners
📩 Need help? As AKC CGC evaluators, we’re more than happy to review your video submissions and provide feedback or approval for AKC Trick Dog and Virtual Home Manners titles. Just reach out—we’d love to cheer you on!
🎉 Final Thoughts
Trick training isn’t just about fun (though it is fun!). It’s a smart, structured way to raise a well-mannered, confident, and connected dog. Whether you’re training a pup from our program or working with your dog at home, these five beginner-friendly tricks are a great way to start.
Keep training short, positive, and consistent. The more you engage with your dog in fun, rewarding ways, the more they’ll love learning—and the more they’ll love learning with you.