How to Make Your Dog Roll Over

Training your dog to roll over requires helping your dog associate the command "roll over" with the action of rolling onto his back and side. To do this, you must be able to make your dog roll over either by physically moving him or by using treats and hand gestures to convince him to complete the trick. Repeating the motion of command for him to "roll over" and then making him roll onto his back and side will help a dog learn to roll over on his own.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
  • A soft surface, such as grass or a carpeted floor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find a soft surface, such as a carpeted floor or soft grass. (A soft surface will help prevent injuries to your dog as he learns to roll over.) Stand in front of your dog.

    • 2

      Have your dog sit; then have your dog lie down.

    • 3

      Hold a treat in your hand and kneel down in front of your lying dog. Command your dog to "roll over" while holding the treat toward him. As you say this, take your dog's left paw in your left hand and gently roll him onto his side, then back, then other side, then back into a prone position. (You can also move the treat to guide him onto his back and side.) When the dog has completed the motion, give him the treat, petting him and praising him.

    • 4

      Repeat Step 3 several times, until your dog can roll over without your having to physically help him do so.