How to Teach a Dog to Rollover

There are basic commands in dog training and there are advanced commands. Basic commands are the components that advanced commands are based upon. Advanced commands, like roll over, are a combination of several basic commands. Teaching your dog to roll over may take multiple attempts, but by breaking the command down into smaller steps and easier to follow commands, your dog will soon be rolling around the room.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog
  • Treat
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Instructions

    • 1

      Teach your dog the "down" command. Coerce your dog to lie down, with all four paws on the ground. Use a treat or praise as a motivator. If this does not work, physically position your dog in a down position.

    • 2

      Use the command "side" or "on your side." As you say the command, hold the treat to either side of the dog and guide it into lying on its back by gently shoving the dog's opposite shoulder. This urges the dog to roll onto its side. Praise or reward your dog upon rolling over.

    • 3

      Work on these two commands in short intervals of five minutes, two to three times per day. When your dog has mastered these commands, you may begin putting them together into a cohesive movement.

    • 4

      Teach your dog the command "play dead," or "on your back." Position your dog in the "on your side," position and give the command you are trying to teach. Rub your dog's belly in order to coerce the dog into rolling onto its back. As the dog lifts its legs in pleasure at the belly rub, roll the dog gently onto her back. Praise your dog immediately and offer a treat.

    • 5

      Work on the "play dead" command until a treat is no longer needed. It may be helpful to repeat the command you used as a part of verbal praise, such as "Good play dead."

    • 6

      Repeat the commands in sequence, starting with "lie down," proceeding to "on your side," and working toward "play dead."

    • 7

      Many dogs will roll over naturally from the "play dead" position. In order to get your dog to roll in the proper direction, offer a treat directly in front of the dog's face while they are "playing dead." Move the treat to the side you would like the dog to roll to. Accompany this with the phrase "roll over."

    • 8

      Continue working your dog through the commands in order. Begin omitting one command at a time when your dog appears comfortable with the routine.

    • 9

      Repeat the training sessions in short intervals several times a day. Work toward getting your dog to perform the "lie down," "on your side," "play dead" and "roll over" actions based simply on the "roll over" verbal cue.