A neat little party trick you can teach your dog is the ‘Dance’ command. Whilst it offers no practical training use, it’s an easy trick for him to learn and makes a fun and entertaining bonding session for you both.

Gather your dog’s attention either by calling his name, or by letting the dog smell the treat in your hand.

Once he’s engaged, raise the treat above his head to encourage him to stand using the phrase ‘Dance’. As soon as he stands up to reach the treat, reward him with it.

Repeat the process several times until he begins to come to grips with what is required to be rewarded. Remember to use your best judgement with rewarding, timing is key.

Once your dog responds well to the first part of this trick, hold the treat above his head again and wiggle your hand slightly. The movement should encourage him to move slightly, hold off giving him the treat for a moment, and keep wiggling your hand in a small circle above his head until he reacts. Continue repeating ‘Dance’. Reward when he offers more movement than standing on his hind legs.

Eventually, once your dog’s reaction to the trick is to stand on his hind legs and wiggle, wave his arms and maybe even complete a spin, you’ll have mastered the command.

After teaching him for twenty minutes or so, end the training session and continue another day. The more you teach and practice this command, the more developed it becomes. Time and practice is the best way to make this trick evolve into a ‘dance’.