New to Zoom Room? Click here to learn more »
Want more tips like this? Browse the full Trainer Tip Friday archive »

Alright everyone, we’re getting festive today. We’ve got two super fun holiday tricks that build confidence, engagement, and connection — and honestly, they’re just adorable. Perfect for photos, videos, and holiday memories.

🎄 1. Trick #1 — “Tell Santa Your Secret”

This one is a holiday spin on the classic “Touch” cue, and it looks so cute. Your dog comes up and gently touches their nose to your hand or even your ear, like they’re whispering what they want for Christmas.

How to Teach It

Step 1: Start with the basic touch.
Hold your hand out. The moment your dog boops it, you mark — “Yes!” — and reward.
Keep it light and fun. We want easy wins to warm them up.

Step 2: Move the target higher.
Once your dog is confidently touching your hand, raise it up toward your cheek or shoulder.
Mark and reward when they follow the target upward.

Step 3: Create the “secret whisper” moment.
Now bring your hand right up near your ear or your mouth.
Cue “Touch,” wait for that nose to come in, and reward.

Trainer tip: Tilt your head toward your hand. This really sells the “secret” look and makes for great photos.

Step 4: Add the holiday cue.
Once your dog understands the motion, switch your cue to:
✨ “Tell Santa your secret!”

Clients love this one — it’s a perfect Christmas-card moment.

🎁 2. Trick #2 — “Unwrap a Present”

Now we’re turning your dog into Santa’s little helper. This trick builds curiosity, confidence, and problem-solving skills — plus it’s ridiculously cute to watch.

Side Note:
This exercise is actually the foundation for our Zoom Room Scent Workshop. Dogs learn to investigate, push through light obstacles, and use their nose to search — the exact skills they’ll need when we start hiding scents later on.

How to Teach It

Step 1: Set up the present.
Grab a small box or gift bag.
Put a toy or treat inside.
Loosely cover the top with tissue paper — no tape, nothing tight.

Easy wins make confident dogs.

Step 2: Reward curiosity.
Place the present on the floor. Let your dog check it out.
As soon as they nudge the tissue paper or paw at it, mark (“Yes!”) and reward.

Curiosity is the behavior we want to build.

Step 3: Let them explore deeper.
Now wait for slightly bigger attempts:

• pushing their nose into the paper

• pawing the opening

• moving the paper aside

Mark and reward every progression. Treat the “tries” as wins.

Step 4: Add the pull.
Stick a toy halfway out of the tissue paper.
Encourage your dog to grab it and pull it free.
Reward big when they do — this is the heart of the trick.

Step 5: The full unwrap.
Now hide the toy completely inside the box or bag.
Let your dog investigate, push through the paper, and “unwrap” their surprise.

It’s fun, engaging, and a great holiday confidence-builder.

🎅 Holiday Combo

Putting both tricks together gives you a sweet little storyline:

Your dog whispers their Christmas wish…
…and then unwraps their present from Santa.

Festive, fun, and a perfect blend of skills and holiday magic.