Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you and your dog can’t enjoy fun and meaningful training. In fact, teaching quiet tricks can be a great way to bond with your pup while keeping noise levels down for the sake of your neighbors. Whether you’re trying to keep your dog mentally stimulated or just want to impress guests with silent commands, these five tricks are perfect for small spaces and low noise environments.
1. Touch (Targeting With the Nose)
This simple yet surprisingly useful trick involves teaching your dog to gently touch their nose to your hand or a specific object. Start by holding your hand close to their face and say “touch.” When they move toward it, reward with a treat. Over time, they’ll associate the word with the action and perform it on cue.
Why it’s great for apartments: It’s silent, low energy, and can be used to redirect your dog’s attention when they’re getting too excited or distracted.
2. Take a Bow
This one looks adorable and is a gentle stretch for your pup. Begin when your dog naturally stretches, when their front legs go forward and their back stays up. Say “bow” and reward them. With consistency, they’ll learn to do it on command.
Bonus: It’s an easy way to wrap up a play session or get their attention in a lighthearted way.
3. Peekaboo (Between the Legs)
“Peekaboo” is when your dog comes around from behind and sits between your legs, looking up at you. To teach it, lure them through your legs with a treat while you’re standing still. Once they’re in position, say your chosen command and reward.
Apartment perk: It’s a close-contact trick that reinforces trust and doesn’t require much space at all.
4. Spin (Both Directions)
Spin is fun and builds coordination. Have your dog follow a treat in a circle in one direction while saying “spin.” Repeat in the other direction using a different word like “twirl.” Keep sessions short to avoid dizziness.
This trick is visually engaging but completely silent—perfect for training without disrupting the peace and quiet.
5. Settle on a Mat
This isn’t just a trick, it’s a game-changer for peaceful apartment living. Train your dog to go to a mat and lie down calmly on command. It’s great for when guests visit or if you need to focus on work.
Start by rewarding them for simply stepping on the mat, then progress to sitting, then lying down. Use a phrase like “go settle” each time.
Why it matters: It helps create a calm routine and gives your dog a “job” when you’re busy.
Living in a shared space doesn’t mean compromising your dog’s enrichment. These quiet tricks are not only useful, but they also strengthen the bond between you and your pup. A few minutes a day is all it takes to turn a normal day indoors into something special.
