How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over, Using The ‘Roll Over Command’.

Spending time playing with your beloved pooch is a thoroughly rewarding experience for you both. Apart from games like ‘Fetch’, there are a number of fun activities you can involve your dog in a playful manner, that will help to build a strong and positive bond between you both.
Most of the basic commands and advanced dog training commands we’ve covered so far, are primarily used for control and used in public places.

This fun dog obedience training article will teach you how to train your dog to roll over from their tummy to their back and then to their tummy in a continuous 360-degree roll, using the ‘Roll Over Command‘ by utilising positive reinforcement training techniques.
After teaching the roll in one direction, we’ll reverse the roll in the opposite direction, just for the fun of it.

The following list is what we recommend you have handy for this dog training command session:

• Small sized, soft treats that are very tempting
• Clicker
• Quite place, lounge or floor

If you don’t have, or prefer not to use a ‘clicker’, you can substitute it by using the word ‘Yes’, which I prefer.

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

Steps to Teaching the ‘Roll Over Command’

Before we get started, it’s worth clarifying what we’d like from our dog after using this instruction.
Once our dog is laying down on the floor, we want to be able to verbally command our dog to roll over 360 degrees, and by using hand signals, choose the direction of the roll.

When teaching this dog training command, I’m going to assume you’ve already taught your dog to lay ‘Down’ successfully.
If not, you’ll find a link to this and all the commands in the article ‘List of Dog Commands‘.

1/ Ask your dog to lay down. Have a handful of treats in your closed right hand.

2/ Place your closed hands with treats on your dog’s nose and move your hand ‘slowly’ in a loop so they follow it.
This is easiest to do for your dog if they have their legs stretched out, or have one hip tucked under, which is common.

You want your dog to want to follow the treats all the way, so his/her whole-body rolls for this dog trick, therefore make sure it’s a very tasty one.

3/ As soon as your dog has flopped onto their tummy again, ‘mark’ the event by saying ‘Yes’ as you reward with the treats, followed by praise ‘Good Boy/Girl’ and some ear rubs.

4/ Repeat these steps 3 times, or until your clever canine rolls over smoothly.

5/ Now it’s time to introduce the verbal ‘Roll Over Command’. As you repeat the above steps, say ‘Roll Over’ as soon as your hand starts to move.
Repeat this 5 times.

6/ Next, introduce the hand signal at the same time as saying the verbal cue, which is the same motion you’ve been using, but instead of using the treats in your hand, close to your dog’s nose, step back, away from your dog about a metre.
The treats should be in your left hand now, which you give on each successful roll. Keep repeating this step, gradually moving back further, until you’re 3 metres away.

7/ To mix things up, if your dog doesn’t naturally lay down with his/her hip under their body, but lays straight, change the direction of the roll.

8/ Finally, repeat the above steps, but without using treats as part of the reward. Still continue with the praise and the ear rubs, which will be more than enough reward when said using your proud happy voice!

This dog trick is all about the fun, so when talking to your dog you should be using your happy voice, amped up bordering on excitement.
Every time my owner does this with me, he laughs, which I love, making me want to keep doing it until I get giddy with excitement, rolling over onto my back ready for a belly scratch.

Summary of How To Teach Your Dog The ‘Roll Over Command’

Remember consistency, practice and patience are the keys with all dog training. This dog trick is all about the fun, so when talking to your dog you should be using your happy voice, amped up bordering on excitement.

Note: This dog trick is suitable for physically fit dogs. Older or dogs suffering from arthritis may find this too physically demanding, so it’s best not to try, because often your dog’s willingness to do what you want will override their own discomfort, potentially causing injury.

Some dogs that aren’t overly motivated by food treats (rare) will almost certainly take to cooked chicken pieces. However, I would strongly suggest finding a commercial option from pet shops that will entice because apart from the expense, chicken is messy and doesn’t last very long out of a sealed container in the fridge. There are many brands and flavours to choose from these days, and many are made with healthy natural ingredients. I would also suggest using and rotating several different types, so your dog doesn’t become used to just one.

Your fur baby wants to please you and love you, so take every moment you can, playing with and loving your beloved dog. Apart from the bond you’ll create the health and wellbeing benefits for you both have been proven to be beneficial.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to roll over when commanded?
Leave a comment for ‘Bear’ below and he’ll be happy to answer it for you, especially if you get his attention by using his name.

We at PetsBook also recommend getting out with your dog and join a training course.
Pet Directory has many local dog training businesses listed near you with experienced and accredited dog trainers ready to help you with dog obedience and dog command training.

» List of Dog Commands

Bear

Hi, I’m Bear, the Training Manager at PetsBook. With over 20 years experience using positive reinforcement dog training techniques, I’m proud to have the opportunity to help you develop a stronger bond with your fur baby, by teaching you useful commands with obedience training.