How to Teach a Dog to Roll Over: Tips from Certified Trainers
Are you looking for an impressive new trick to teach your dog? Give ‘Roll Over’ a try!
Since ‘Roll Over’ is a playful cue, these training sessions are the perfect opportunity to have fun while bonding with your dog. Check out these easy steps and helpful tips the GoodPup training team has compiled when teaching this trick.
🐾 Pro Tip: When teaching any dog a new trick, always be mindful of your dog’s age, agility, and body condition. ‘Roll Over’ is a more challenging trick than others, especially for larger, older, or less mobile dogs. If you are worried about your dog’s physique or history of orthopedic concerns, consult with your vet before teaching this skill to ensure they are safe and comfortable. Once ready to practice ‘Roll Over,’ start with plenty of room and on a softer surface, such as a carpet.
How To Teach A Dog to Roll Over
Prerequisite: ‘Down’ – Ensure your dog knows the basic cue ‘Down’ as it creates a solid foundation to build on when teaching ‘Roll Over.’
- While kneeling beside your dog, cue ‘Down’ and immediately reward them with a treat.
- Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose (without letting them eat it!) and slowly move your hand from their nose toward their shoulder, allowing their head to follow – immediately reward them.
- Continue moving the treat from the shoulder toward your dog’s backbone, resulting in your dog rolling onto their side. Reward them.
- Continue moving the treat lure over your dog’s backbone, encouraging them to follow it. This movement guides them to roll onto their back and eventually all the way over – immediately reward them.
- Begin to say “Roll Over” before presenting your hand with the treat lure. When you recognize your dog beginning to anticipate the behavior when you cue “Roll Over,” use an empty hand for them to follow.
- Gradually, you will fade the hand movement altogether.
Practice Makes Perfect
Repetition is key when teaching a dog any cue. Our expert trainers recommend practicing for 5-10 minutes (about 8-10 reps) 3 times each day until your dog is comfortable with the action. Only advance to the next level of training after your dog is successful at the current practice step. Be sure to keep training engaging, short, and upbeat!
Tips For Mastering ‘Roll Over’
- Some dogs are uncomfortable exposing their stomachs. If your dog is a little unsure but enjoys a good belly rub, encourage them to expose their stomach more often by praising and treating them when they are naturally doing so. Doing this also helps your dog become more comfortable lying on their back.
- If your dog struggles to focus while learning this skill, try increasing the value of the treat lure.
- If your dog struggles to learn the trick, chat with a GoodPup Certified Trainer to help develop a training plan that works for your dog.
Are you looking to teach your dog even more fun tricks? Check out these 7 Easy Tricks to Teach Your Dog that will have them showing off their skills in no time!
