Teaching your dog a few tricks gives you both a break from the routine of the common requests — and it's a great way to impress your family and friends. Some simple ones are: Jump, Dance, and Shake.

Teaching Jump

Teaching a controlled jump is a fantastic way to burn off your dog's excess energy while bringing a smile to your face (and probably to his). Teaching the jump is easy if you have a hungry dog, a leash, and tasty but tiny treats.

Begin by positioning your dog in a sit, parallel to a barrier like a wall or a couch. Kneel next to your dog at a right angle. The first step is achieving a very low leg jump by extending your leg and putting your foot against the barrier and the floor so your dog has no option except to jump over it. Show him the treat in your far hand, and use it to lure him over your leg. Reward him for his success by giving him a treat. Reverse the process, luring him back over your leg with the other hand. (You may need to put the nonluring hand behind your back or by your side so he won't be distracted by it since it was the source of the preceding treat.) Once he's mastered this low hurdle, raise your leg in two- or three-inch increments until he's actually leaping over it.

Here are a few success-building tips:

Try to anticipate when your dog is likely to go off course. Use the food lures or leash to keep him on track.

Don't jerk the leash. Instead, pull it — and praise him lavishly when he responds properly.

As he gains confidence and is performing successfully, begin directing him over your calf . . . and then over an arm. Again, maintain the barrier but raise the height of the jump incrementally. Next, go back to the beginning and repeat the entire process — this time without the barrier. Once he's mastered these component jumps, take your show on the road, practicing in new locations and in the presence of increasingly tempting distractions. (Keep a line on him to maintain control.) Soon you can start mixing it up, combining various leg and arm leaps into a mini canine ballet.

Teaching Dance

Some dogs naturally love to spin, often favoring one direction over the other. Others need some prompting. Either way, here's how to turn this form of canine dancing on and off.

Begin teaching this trick in a corner to limit your dog's working area. With a tasty treat in your hand, hold it by her nose and lure her around in a tight circle. At first, reward her with treats and praise for even a partial turn. Expect a full turn after a dozen or so attempts. With a larger dog, keep your hand low so that she will twist her body around to get the treat.

After a few sessions, begin weaning her off the food, using hand signals and a leash if necessary to get her started. Then add commands, one for clockwise turns and a second for counterclockwise. Unable to contain their enthusiasm for this trick, small dogs will quite naturally want to play helicopter, spinning in midair.

Teaching Shake

This old classic is still a crowd pleaser. Sit your dog facing you, kneel in front of him and reach for his pastern (which is the equivalent of our wrist). Especially if your dog is touch sensitive or easily spooked, do this calmly and gently. Tell him how good he is as you hold his paw in both hands and move it gently up and down. Release his paw and repeat the pattern several times. Do it prior to walks or feeding so he looks forward to the routine.

After a handful of experiences, add the simple command, “Shake,” or get creative and say something like “howdy doody” or “what's up” as you look at his paw and reach for it. Become more animated in your praise and shaking his paw so he knows that's what you want.

The next step is to look distinctly at his front leg and give your command as you begin reaching toward it. Hesitate for a few seconds before touching his paw. Ideally, he'll surprise you by lifting his leg and offering his paw. If not, continue practicing, and when he finally does offer his paw let's hope you have a sirloin steak waiting in his bowl to acknowledge his greatness on that day!