How to Teach Your Dog to Turn Around 180 degrees Using The ‘Turn Around Command’.

Now that you have the ‘Heel’, ‘Straight’, ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ dog training commands under your belt and your dog will walk calmly by your side after changing direction, it’s time to teach your dog to make a ‘U’ turn on command.

Having complete control of your dog is a dog owners’ responsibility, especially when out together in a public place, but communicating with your four-legged companion, so they understand what you want from them is also how you build a strong bond. Walking a dog, calmly beside you, in a ‘lose leash manner’ then being able to turn, changing direction as you take a left or right turn down a street is one of the joys of pet ownership and for many people, and one of the reasons given for buying a dog in the first place. The dog’s used as the reason to get outside and exercise.

This dog obedience training article will teach you how to train your dog to turn around 180 degrees and go back the way they come from, without being distracted, using the ‘Turn Around Command‘ by implementing positive reinforcement training techniques.

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
• Collar
• Walking Leash, 1-2 Metres (4-7 Foot)
• Open space, such as an oval with no distractions

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

Dog training essentials available from Ezydog Australia

Steps to Teaching the ‘Turn Around Command’

Before we dive in, it’s worth noting or clarifying what we’d like from our dog after using this instruction.
Essentially, we want our dog to walk calmly, close to our left-hand side, at the same pace we’re walking and on command make a tight ‘U-Turn’ so you’re heading 180 degrees in the opposite direction.
To begin, we’ll accomplish this by initially turning ‘right’, but after that’s mastered, you can then practice turning left until you’re facing and walking in the opposite direction.

When teaching this dog training command, I’m going to assume you’ve already taught your dog to ‘Heel’ and also successfully completed the ‘Straight’, ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ commands. If not, you’ll find links to these contained in the article ‘List of Dog Commands‘.

1/ The first step in training this command is to take your dog to an open space, such as an oval. I recommend this because there are no footpaths to follow, so the focus will be solei on your command.
Start walking slowly, at first, using ‘Heel’ or the ‘Straight Command’ for say 10 metres.

2/ In your left hand, have a treat which you’re going to place just in front of your dog’s nose as you walk.

3/ As we did with the ‘Right Command’, move your left hand with the treat in it to the right, say the verbal cue ‘Turn Around’ instead of ‘Right’. Your dog will instinctively follow your hand, and his/her body will start to turn too. At the same time, start to turn right yourself.

4/ But this time, instead of just turning 90 degrees to the right, turn 180 degrees, then reward your dog with the treat, and say ‘Yes’, followed by praise such as ‘Good Boy/Girl’. Continue straight on for a further 10 metres.

5/ Simply repeat the ‘Turn Around Command’ every 10 metres, going up and back in a straight line. Then try a 5-metre distance, followed by a 20-metre walk, all by completing effectively 2 right turns at either end. As you practice, start to remove the treat from the reward, but keeping up the praise component.

6/ Next, add some additional distractions by walking around your neighbourhood that has plenty of streets so you can practice turning around, followed by using ‘Straight’.

Tip: As you continue to practice, try to keep your hand as close to your body as possible so your hand is at your left hip. You want your dog to be next to you at all times as you turn, until you allow them to roam freely by using the ‘release’ word ‘Free’.

It’s a good idea to mix up the pace during ‘walkies’ too. Change your speed from a casual stroll to a quick, high cardio paced walk and everything in between as you practice the command ‘Turn Around’.

Summary of How To Teach Your Dog The ‘Turn Around Command’

Remember consistency, practice and patience are the keys with all dog training. Some dogs, such as Beagles are more difficult to teach than others, because they love to sniff and follow their nose.

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 that works 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.

As I mentioned above, using a walking leash of between 1-2 metres is ideal. These leashes are used extensively for ‘obedience’ dog training disciplines so are readily available.
Most pet shops, located near you, listed on Pet Directory will have these in stock.

As you walk, give your dog some ‘down time’ by saying ‘free’ as a release word, allowing your dog to roam about freely to relieve themselves or have a good sniff, before resuming the heel position.
Apart from the obvious, turning around and walking in the opposite direction is ideal to use when out for a walk and people with other dogs are approaching, and you want to avoid contact by turning away. Being totally focused on you and your instructions is the key to avoiding distractions.

Having trouble, or have a question about getting your dog to turn around and walk in the opposite direction 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.