Roll Over Video 461kb

Uses - Handy at the vets, when you need to look at the dogs tummy, great show off trick,

Equipment - food

Method -
Dog is taught off lead in distraction free area. Reason for off lead, if frees up both hands, and trick looks better off lead, saves you having to phase out the lead later.

Dog is in drop position. (lying down)

Gets some food and slowly move food from the dogs nose, towards his hips, his head should start following his nose, and his body should follow. You need to be on your hands and knees to do this.

Once his head is near his hips, move your hand towards the ground and lure him into a full roll.

Once he has done this a couple of times, add the word, "roll over".

The dog might get a bit confused and only go part of the way. Just keep practicing and keep the sessions short. Keep it happy and fun.

Gradually phase out the food reward, so the dog only gets the reward once he has completed the roll.

ADVANCED
Try multiple rolls, rolls in either direction. You can add the word "bang" and give the hand signal with thumb and fore finger pointing at him. If you have two dogs, see if you can get them both rolling in the same direction.


PITFALLS
I got a bit carried away with this trick with one of my dogs. Every time I said, drop the dog anticipated and rolled over every time. So when the dog has the idea, you might just do some simple drops with out the roll over.

DROP
If your dog does not know drop, might be handy to teach this first. Just get down on hands and knees and slowly lure the dog down with the food and say drop. Dog can be either in sit or stand position. Then phase out the food.