Dogs are outstanding creatures when it comes to learning new tricks. They are fast learners and are extremely composed because of their nature to easily blend with human beings.
Rolling over is a brilliant trick that dogs enjoy performing, but is not so easy to teach in the first place. This requires a lot of practice and patience to master and is one of the very last tricks you should teach your dog due to certain prerequisites.
Multiple physical aspects of a dog can be checked with this astute trick, like a dog suffering from stomach issues, will not be able or willing to roll over.
This can expose underlying health problems related to your beloved pet, and confirm the need for a visit to the veterinary.
Make sure you have the correct breed of dog that you are trying to teach rolling over, as certain classes of canine have difficulty in doing so due to their shapes and sizes.
Read this article for a comprehensive guide on how to train your pet dog to roll over on cue.
Reasons For Dogs Refusing To Roll Over
Rolling over is a relatively easy trick to teach your dog. Although it does seem to be a common trick among all dogs, it is not always the case. Some of them do not like the act due to their nature or breed.
Any persisting illness or inconvenient conditions might also make them refuse a cute roll on the ground when asked. Listed below are some reasons why your dog usually ignores your orders of rolling over.
- The dog is too old: Dogs that are comparatively old often tend to follow their whim, rather than following your instruction. Even if they are healthy enough to roll over, their pride might discourage them from attempting such acts.
- The dog is untrained: Surely, you can not expect the dog to be ready to roll at the moment of acquisition. They need extensive training to carry out the neat tricks you desire to see. Regular training and practice are necessary to sustain their skills. This negates the fear of rolling they potentially have and boosts their confidence levels.
- The dog is not motivated: Your pets eagerly await moments when you give them treats. Most of them go to great lengths for these, and without the incentive of a delicious treat after rolling over on the ground for you, they might be discouraged to perform the act next time.
Steps For Teaching Dogs To Roll Over
While the results are highly endearing, reaching such stages requires some effort and forbearance. Here are some steps that are recommended by professionals for teaching your dog to properly roll over on the floor.
Step 1 – Provide A Comfortable Environment
Pet animals are greatly affected by the surrounding atmosphere. They might refuse even the most basic orders from their trainer in the absence of a comfortable environment. Make sure the floor is soft and, if possible, warm.
You do not want your dog to get hurt and refuse to comply in the future. Prevent the dog from getting distracted by making your canine stay focused on your orders and gestures.
Step 2 – Command Your Dog To Lie Down
This is a crucial step in the teaching process of your dog to roll over on the ground. You need to ensure that your dog responds positively to your orders because without this, further lessons can not be provided.
Move on to the next step if your dog is flat on its belly and paws rested on the front, eagerly waiting for the next order. This can be the outcome of a gesture or a sign that the dog is accustomed to.
Step 3 – Offer It A Treat, Strategically
This is the most arduous step of the lot! Get a treat for your dog and hold it close to its nose to let your dog smell the delicious aroma. Gently navigate the treat towards the shoulder of your dog, and make sure it is following the food.
In the circumstance where the dog stops following the treat, you should start over and keep repeating the same procedure until the dog complies.
A successful scenario would mean that the dog is taking the treat from behind the back of its head. Make sure the dog is not hungry enough to snatch at the treat initially while the food is still in front of its face.
Step 4 – Feed And Repeat
Once your dog is perfectly turned to look over its shoulder, the time has arrived for the first successful roll. Feed the treat once it is achieved, and continue repeating the process until the dog is tired or unwilling to act anymore.
Guide your dog if the rolls are wrong, and immediately take a break if your canine is getting confused. Avoid overworking the dog in order to sustain its enthusiasm and fervor.
Step 5 – Introduce The “Code Word”
With time, your dog will fully be in control of their bodies and can easily roll on the floor on cue. This is the ideal time to get your dog accustomed to a specific command.
Keep luring the dog with treats, but avoid giving treats unless it responds to your code word. This might be a simple command like “rollover” and be backed up with a hand gesture.
Adequate practice will eventually entice your dog to roll on the floor on your verbal order.
Step 6 – Stop Giving Treats
Finally, your dog should completely get proficient in the art of rolling on the ground on your signal, but might still be doing that just for the treat.
Gradually take the incentive away and make it realize the rarity of these treats. Soon the dog is expected to follow your commands only, without the added incentive of some tasty dog food.
Conclusion
Dogs are, arguably, the most adored pets in the whole world. The profound joy and inherent security that they bring to our lives are very precious and fulfilling.
Having proper knowledge of their training and maintenance can go a long way towards owning a healthy, cute, and skillful pet dog.
