Cute Dog Trick: Play Dead

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite dog tricks, Play Dead.  This is one of the first tricks I taught my Siberian Husky, Icy.  It's kind of a show stopper!

Like many dog tricks, this one builds on basic obedience commands or easy tricks that many dogs already know.  This trick takes Stay/Wait, Down and Roll over and expands them into a fun trick!

Here's how to teach your dog Bang! Play Dead:

* Put your dog into a Stay or Wait
* Then give the command to lie Down
* Once in a Down position use a treat lure to get your dog to roll, but not completely over, just onto their back.

Once your dog gets Down and Rolling onto his back together, start adding verbal cues.
 
Start by saying "Down, and Roll".  Once your dog can do both Down and Roll in one movement, change the verbal cue to "Bang, Down and Roll". 

Once your dog gets the movement with "Bang, Down, and Roll" drop the "Down and Roll" and just say "Bang".

Upon giving the "Bang" verbal cue you want your dog to Down, and then immediately Roll onto his back.

It may take a bunch of tries.  Revert back to using a treat lure and the "Down" and "Roll" verbal cues if needed to get your dog to perform the motions with only the "Bang" verbal command.

*** REMEMBER ***

> Always use only Positive Reinforcement methods when training, never yell at or hit your dog!  If you're getting frustrated that your dog isn't paying attention or getting the trick, take a break.

> Keep training sessions short, about 15 - 20 minutes or so at a time, if you do much more than that your dog may get bored or frustrated. 

> Be Patient, training takes time.  If you feel your dog just isn't getting it after awhile, the trick may not be a good fit for your dog!  Just like people, every dog is an individual, don't push him into something he's not comfortable with or that is too difficult for him - try a different trick!

> And most of all, Have FUN!  Tricks training should feel like play for your dog.  It's also a great way to strengthen the bond you have with your dog.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like:

The Where's My Dog trick, another show stopping dog trick!

Dog Training Doesn't End with Puppyhood, it's a lifelong endeavor.

JOIN US ON THE RASCAL AND ROCCO PET PARADE BLOG HOP!!

An InLinkz Link-up

The Cutest Dog Trick

Trick Training Is FUN Dog Training !

Not long ago I wrote a blog post about how dog training should be a lifelong activity for your dog, because training isn't just for puppies!  I included links to blog posts with tips on how to address some common behavior issues through training, like leash pulling and jumping up on people.

In my opinion, the most fun type of dog training is Tricks Training!  Here's a short video of my favorite dog trick with my Siberian Husky, Icy.  It's called WHERE'S MY DOG?? 

This trick always gets a lot of laughs.  I hope it makes you smile too!

This fun dog trick is taught using 2 treats, one in each hand:

* From a sit/stay and with your back to your dog a couple of feet away from her,

* Lure your dog towards the back of your legs with 1 hand, holding 1 of the treats in your hand behind your legs, (your back remains to the dog)

*As she approaches your legs switch hands to continue the lure with your other hand & treat, luring her all the way through your legs.  Mark the behavior (you continually face forward).  If she tries to go around you instead of going through your legs, do not treat but start again & continue the treat lure all the way through your legs.

* Once she has the entire movement down, add the verbal cue "Where's My Dog?" at the beginning of the trick while she's in the Sit/Stay position.  Phase out the two treat lure, treating only after she completes the entire sequence of the trick.  Have Fun!!

Please visit  My YouTube Channel!

What's YOUR favorite dog or cat trick?  Let us know in the comments, we love hearing from you!