Trick roulette for dogs: how to play
Shuffle the tricks your dog knows and let the app pick one at random. Keeps practice fresh and shows which tricks are weak.
- Time
- 5 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- treats
- a list of 4 to 10 tricks your dog knows
Set up
List every trick your dog knows on cue. Write each on a slip of paper, or use the app's random picker.
How to play
Draw a trick at random.
Give the cue once.
Reward if your dog does it. If not, help with a lure, reward, and mark that trick as 'needs work'.
Draw the next. Play 8 to 10 draws.
End with your dog's favourite trick.
House rules
- One cue, then help: no repeating.
- Tricks that fail twice go on the practice list.
- Make it easier
- Only include the 3 tricks your dog knows best.
- Make it harder
- Add new tricks, or chain two draws: do both, then reward.
Signs it's having fun
Bright, keen, offering tricks before you ask.
Stop if you see
Offering random tricks frantically, or switching off. Shorten the session.
Safety
Safety- Skip tricks that stress joints (beg, high jumps) for puppies, seniors and long-backed breeds.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
Game · 3 min
Position speed rounds for dogs: how to play
Sit, down, stand, sit: how many clean position changes can your dog do in 30 seconds? Puppy push-ups as a race.
Game · 5 min
Recall ping-pong for dogs: how to play
Two people take turns calling your dog back and forth. Every arrival pays, so coming when called becomes the best game in the house.
Game · 10 min
Hide and seek for dogs: how to play
Hide somewhere in the house, call your dog once, and celebrate when they find you. Recall and nose work in one.
