Teach Your Dog to Roll Over: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Teaching your dog a new trick is a wonderful way to bond with them and give them a skill they can keep in their bag of tricks. It is an easy, almost-instant accomplishment for the dog, especially if they already know the "down" command. Now, let’s get started.

Step 1: Set Yourself Up for Success with Treats and Commands

Train your dog in a very quiet area with as few distractions as possible. Have a handful of small, tasty treats that your dog loves and can gobble up quickly. Start with your dog in a lying-down position, as that is the ideal stance for teaching them to roll over.

Step 2: Start by Getting Your Dog on Their Side

With one hand, hold a treat in front of your dog's nose. As soon as they start following it, move the treat just across their face and toward one shoulder. Immediately reward them with the treat and lots of praise! Repeat this until getting onto their side becomes second nature.

Step 3: Guide Them Through the Roll

Now, as your dog is lying on their side, use the treat as a lure to guide them onto their back and then back into the starting position. Once they complete the roll, reward them with another treat and plenty of praise!

Step 4: Add Hand and Voice Cues

As your dog gets the hang of it, add a verbal cue like "roll over" along with a hand motion indicating the movement, such as a circular gesture. Practice pairing what you say with the actual rollover command, and give treats only when they do it correctly.

Step 5: Fade Hand Movements

Gradually reduce the physical cues, using only the verbal prompt and hand signal for a second or two. Dogs that respond correctly should get a reward while you slowly phase out the leash.

Success Tips

• Be patient: Good things take time, so allow your dog to learn at their own pace.

• Keep training sessions short: 5 to 10 minutes is ideal to prevent boredom or frustration.

• Give praise: Always reward your dog, even if they don’t get it right every time.

Mark Milestones

Every small step toward mastering "roll over" is an achievement worth celebrating with your dog! Treats, praise, and affectionate caresses should recognize each success again and again.

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-teach-a-dog-to-roll-over/