Reward-based trick training

Trick & Freestyle Dog Training in Boston

Fun, confidence-building dog training for teams who want better focus, body awareness, engagement, and creative skills they can actually use.

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More than cute tricks

Trick training is not just about teaching your dog to spin or wave. It builds communication, confidence, focus, coordination, and a stronger relationship between you and your dog.

This program is especially helpful for dogs who need more mental enrichment, puppies learning how to learn, shy dogs who need confidence, high-energy dogs who need an outlet, and handlers who want to do something fun and creative with their dog.

I practice these skills with my own dogs, too: Tallulah works on more advanced tricks and freestyle, while Tucker is learning the same foundations from puppyhood before building into freestyle and agility.

Training approach

Trick and freestyle skills are taught with reward-based methods, including food, toys, play, marker training, luring, shaping, capturing, and clear releases.

I do not use e-collar or prong collar corrections for trick or freestyle work.

Program options

Level 1

Trick Foundations

Best for beginners, puppies, shy dogs, and dogs who need more confidence or enrichment.

  • Marker timing and engagement
  • Touch, spin, paws up, and hand targets
  • Perch work and body awareness
  • Intro to leg weaves, bow, and simple trick chains
Level 2

Trick Skills & Transitions

Best for dogs who already know a few tricks and need cleaner cues, smoother transitions, and more fluency.

  • Fading food lures
  • Cleaner verbal and hand cues
  • Trick combinations
  • Short polished sequences
Level 3

Freestyle Foundations

Best for teams who want to turn tricks into movement, flow, handler connection, and beginner routines.

  • Handler movement and dog positions
  • Leg weaves, circles, spins, pivots, and direction changes
  • Props and confidence-building games
  • 30 to 60 second routine planning
Level 4

Trick Title & Video Prep

Best for teams working toward AKC or Do More With Your Dog trick title goals, social media videos, or performance-style routines.

  • Trick list planning
  • Video setup and filming help
  • Polishing tricks for clearer performances
  • Building confidence on camera
See AKC Trick Dog titling →

Good fit for

  • Dogs who love to learn
  • Puppies and adolescent dogs
  • High-energy dogs who need a mental outlet
  • Shy dogs who need confidence
  • Handlers who want better engagement
  • Dogs working toward trick titles or fun routines

Not the best fit for

  • Dogs who are highly stressed around other dogs
  • Dogs who cannot safely work in a group setting yet
  • Dogs with pain or mobility concerns that have not been cleared
  • Owners looking for behavior modification instead of trick work

How sessions can work

Private trick lesson

Best for one dog and handler team who wants personalized coaching.

$90 / 60 minutes

4-week starter program

Best for teams who want structure, homework, and a clear progression.

$280 to $300

Virtual trick coaching

Best for video review, routine planning, or trick tune-ups from home.

$30 to $45

Final pricing depends on format, location, travel, and goals. Group or beta options may be available.

Want to build something fun with your dog?

Tell me about your dog, your goals, and what kind of tricks or routine you want to work toward. I’ll help you choose the best starting point.

Request trick trainingAKC Trick Dog Titles