Jen
Training your dog new tricks is quite an adventure for both of you especially if it is done in the right approach.
Another trick that can be taught and proved fascinating is the rollover. By the time you finish this article, you will understand all that is required to effectively train your dog to do this trick.
Why Should You Teach Your Dog To Roll Over?
Teaching the dog to roll over has more than just fun in it. This activity has several benefits:
MENTAL STIMULATION:
Getting your dog to roll over you need your pet to figure out what you want him to do and carry out your instructions; thus it sharpens the brain.
BONDING OPPORTUNITY:
This way you help build the trust that you and your dog have for each other and it also helps your relationship.
IMPROVED OBEDIENCE:
This is particularly important in the process of dog training as when your dog is performing roll over you will discover that he has enhanced the aspect of obeying commands.
PHYSICAL EXERCISE:
Getting your dog to roll over is also one way of making him exercise and be as active physically as possible.
Preparing to Teach Your Dog
One of the best things you need to do to do this effectively is to ensure you have properly set up the environment and resources needed for the training.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SETTING:
It requires choosing a calm and noise-free environment to test with your dog’s newly developed trick.
This will assist him/her in paying much attention and increase his/her rate of absorption of knowledge.
GATHER TRAINING ESSENTIALS:
Treats, a clicker if you prefer to use this method, and in addition lots of time on your hands.
Another effective method is to use rewards to ensure your dog has positive things to look forward to after responding to the command.
ASSESS YOUR DOG’S READINESS:
However, make sure your dog understands basics of rollover training or at least knowing the basics of sit-and-down orders.
These are some of the basic tricks for your dog, but if your dog is not ready for simple commands you should probably practice on these before going further.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Dog
Here are the steps to teach your dog how to roll over:
START WITH THE “LIE DOWN” COMMAND:
First, you have to train your dog to lie down. Place a treat close to the dog’s chest and gradually bring it slowly upward towards their shoulder as you say the “lie down” command. Your dog should follow the treat and lie down.
USE A TREAT TO GUIDE THEM:
Once Your Dog Has Mastered Laying Down Keep a treat in your fingers and then put your hand on the back of your dog moving it up in the manner to get it to follow with its snout.
Walk slowly and steadily until you are in front of him/her on the other side.
ENCOURAGE THE SIDE ROLL:
Press your hand on the dog’s back and slowly turn it to your side while holding the treat in the other hand.
Congratulations to your dog when he/she follows the treat and goes round to the other side to complete the roll; provide him/her with a treat for completing the exercise correctly.
COMPLETE THE ROLL:
To get the dog to finish the roll help them with your hand on their back and the reward on the other side. Have them roll, and then when they’re done, reward them for rolling.
ADD THE VERBAL CUE:
After your dog is trained to lie down to their side, begin saying “roll over” when doing it so that your dog links this phrase with the action.
If your dog isn’t following the command right, repeat your cue and help your dog keep following the command.
PRACTICE AND REPEAT:
Be sure to always work on the rollover trick often with the dog. Start slowly adding distractions to training sessions so that these distractions can include some or all other family members or other pets.
Keeping your dog in this position until he or she masters the trick will help him or her if the environment is new or unknown to him or her.
Conclusion
Teaching your dog to roll over can be a fun thing to do for both you and your pooch. They make the bond between you and your dog stronger not only that, they enhance mental activity and add to improved obedience from the dog. By following these steps and being consistent in your training you will soon have an obedient and fun-loving family pet.
