How to Teach a Dog to Do a Front Flip

A dog is never too old to learn a new trick or two. In fact, the tricks can be fun and create an even bigger bond between you and your furry, four-legged friend. Teaching your pup to do a new trick requires a great deal of patience. Most importantly, the key to successfully training your dog to perform a cool, new move involves a lot of repetition and rewards.

Things You'll Need

Dog treats

Instructions

- 1
  Command your dog to first sit by saying the word "sit" in an authoritative tone.
- 2
  Pass a dog treat in front of his mouth with your hand, going all the way down to the ground while commanding your pet to "lie down." The dog will naturally follow your hand, and he will end up lying down.
- 3
  Give him the treat only after he is lying on his stomach with his forearms stretched in front of him and his hind legs stretched behind him.
- 4
  Repeat this step -- this time only commanding him to "lie down." Reward him with a treat upon completing it successfully.
- 5
  Give the command "play dead" and gently push him over until he is lying on his side.
- 6
  Grab his hind legs and forearms and position them in the air as your pet lies on its back. Holding him in this position, repeat the words "play dead." Reward him with a treat.
- 7
  Say the words "play dead" again --- this time in an authoritative voice. Once the dog is capable of lying on his back with his legs and forearms in the air without assistance, reward him with a treat.
- 8
  Command the dog to flip forward while he is in the "play dead" position. While saying the words "flip forward," gently grab your dog from behind, placing it on its hind legs, then all fours while stating loudly "flip forward."
- 9
  Say the words "flip forward" again --- this time in an authoritative voice. Once the dog is capable of flipping forward with all fours on the ground without assistance, reward him with a treat.
- 10
  Practice this trick for about 30 minutes a day to perfect the trick.