Dog Training: How To Teach A Dog To Roll Over

Rolling over is a fun command to teach your dog that will impress other dog and human friends.

It doesn’t have too much use beyond entertainment, but nonetheless still a fun trick to have. Without further interruption, here is how to teach a dog to roll over.

Table of Contents

How To Teach A Dog To Roll Over Using Treats

Start Simple

Get your dog to position themselves in the starting position for rolling over. Typically, that is laying down. After your dog has laid down make sure they stretch out and are attentive.

Use A Treat

Pull out a treat and let your dog get a big whiff. Make sure they continue to stay down and don’t let them snatch the treat out of your hand.

Now your dog has the incentive to do whatever it takes to get that treat.

Rotate The Treat Around Your Dog’s Head

At this point, you are trying to teach your dog the action of rolling over, almost on accident.

You are going to wave the treat over your dog’s head while keeping it in their view.

Your dog’s head should be lifted up and they will follow the treat. If your dog doesn’t roll it’s okay to gently nudge your dog to roll over.

Say “Roll Over” While Practicing

Since your dog is learning the action it is important you give them the command. If you don’t associate “Roll Over” with rolling over your dog won’t know when you want them to do this.

Positive Reinforcement

When your dog rolls over, give them the treat. They will learn when they roll over, they get what they want.

To start, you will be giving your dog a lot of treats to reward their obedient behavior, but rewards are essential when training dogs.

Treat Reduction And Repetition

You should continue to practice, but over time you also need to use less and fewer treats.

This way your dog won’t expect so many treat when they do this command in the future.

Also, it’s a healthier habit to use the minimum treats to avoid dog obesity or other health issues.

How To Teach A Dog To Roll Over Using Toys

Lay Down

Get your dog to lay down and crouch down to their level. Then, grab their favorite toy and hold it next to their face without being too close where they can grab it.

Spin The Toy Around Your Dog’s Head

Once you have your dog’s favorite toy at a safe distance, wave it around their head and let them focus on the toy.

If it works perfectly, your dog will follow it and accidentally roll over.

If they don’t accidentally roll over, you can give them a gentle nudge that tips them over so they know what you want them to do.

Reward Them

After they roll over to spend some time playing with them, it is one of your dog’s favorite activities and is just as good of a reward as a treat.

This is a healthier alternative to giving your dog treats, but it might make your training last longer.

Repetition

The phrase “Practice makes perfect” doesn’t just apply to humans. If you and your dog keep at it with several short sessions every day your dog will learn this trick in no time!

Wrap Up

There you have it, there isn’t much to teach your dog to roll over. The most important part of training your dog this trick is repetition.

As long as you are willing to put in the time, you can teach your dog any trick.

How To Teach A Dog To Roll Over