How to teach your dog to Roll Over

People often think training your dog to do tricks is time wasting and not really useful, but what if I told you that trick training enhances your relationship with your dog because it is fun and light-hearted, can help reduce stress in those that are scared of dogs because it is quirky and encourages you to keep working with your dog! And who knows, it might even land your dog a spot on TV!

So here are some easy steps on how to get a basic Roll Over.

• Start with your dog in a drop or lie down position
• Ensure both back legs are poking out on the same side
• From the side where the back legs are, with a treat, slowly bring your treat to behind your dog’s ear staying as low as possible and close to its head as possible and continue to move your hand until it lies down flat on its side
• Now gently continue to move your hand towards the back of the head, keeping your treat as low to the ground still and wait for the back legs to follow
• As soon as your dog flips to the other side, bridge and treat
• Once you have done a few repetitions, start introducing the word ‘Roll Over’ as you move your hand around its head and eventually it will be able to roll when you ask it to!