What Should I Teach My Dog? A Practical Guide to Dog Training and Tricks From a Cranbrook Dog Trainer

By Celeste Goodhope, Certified Professional Cranbrook Dog Trainer

When you start training your dog, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With so many possible behaviors, tasks, and fun tricks to teach, how do you decide what’s best for your pup?

Whether you're just getting started with dog obedience training or looking to keep your dog mentally stimulated with enrichment activities, this guide will help you choose the right mix of commands, tricks, and useful skills to teach your dog.

🐾 Start with the Basics: Must-Have Dog Training Commands

Every dog needs a foundation of basic obedience commands to be safe, well-mannered, and easy to live with. These are essential for good behavior at home and in public.

Core commands to teach your dog:

• Sit

• Stay

• Come (recall)

• Leave it

• Drop it

• Loose-leash walking

• Go to place or settle

Teaching these behaviors helps prevent common issues like jumping on guests, running away, or pulling on the leash.

🎯 Choose Commands Based on Your Lifestyle

Think about your daily routines and what kind of behavior would make life easier. Your dog’s training should reflect the world they live in.

Examples:

• Apartment living? Focus on quiet behavior and calm greetings.

• Outdoor adventures? Work on off-leash recall and trail manners.

• Family home? Emphasize calm behavior around children and impulse control.

Training isn’t one-size-fits-all—focus on skills that support your everyday life.

🎉 Add Tricks for Fun and Mental Stimulation

Once your dog has the basics down, it’s time to have some fun! Teaching dog tricks is a great way to bond, challenge your dog mentally, and show off their skills.

Easy and fun dog tricks to try:

• High five or shake

• Roll over

• Spin

• Play dead

• Jump through a hoop

• Put toys away

Trick training also builds confidence and can reduce boredom-related behaviors like chewing or excessive barking.

🧠 Match Training to Your Dog’s Breed and Personality

Not every dog is the same. Some thrive on fast-paced, high-energy tasks, while others prefer quiet work or gentle games. Consider your dog’s breed traits, energy level, and confidence.

• Herding breeds may love target training and puzzle-solving.

• Scent hounds enjoy nose work and scent games.

• Shy or reactive dogs benefit from confidence-building exercises.

• Seniors may enjoy simple tricks that are easy on the joints.

🧹 Teach Useful Tasks and Dog Life Skills

Beyond basic obedience and tricks, you can teach your dog helpful household tasks or real-life skills that make everyday life smoother.

Examples:

• Ring a bell to go outside

• Carry their leash or backpack

• Fetch specific items (like the remote or slippers)

• Push a door closed

• Use a button to "talk"

These tasks provide purpose and stimulation, especially for working breeds or high-energy dogs.

❤️ Keep Training Positive and Reward-Based

The most effective way to teach your dog is through positive reinforcement dog training. That means rewarding good behavior with treats, praise, or play—rather than using punishment or fear.

Tips for success:

• Keep training sessions short and fun

• Be consistent with your cues

• Celebrate small wins

• Avoid overwhelming your dog

🐶 Final Thoughts: What Should I Teach My Dog?

Deciding what to teach your dog comes down to three things: what’s essential for daily life, what’s enriching and fun, and what fits your dog’s personality. Start with the basics, explore fun tricks, and enjoy the journey of learning together.

Whether you’re working on obedience, enrichment, or behavior training, the key is to make it enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Reach out to a professional Cranbrook Dog Trainer, if you need support.

Looking for help with your dog training journey?📩 Contact me to book a personalized training session or join one of my online programs. Call/text 250-688-5392 or email celestegoodhope@live.ca