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Teach Your Dog A Classic Trick

Got trouble getting your dog or puppy on there back, it may be helpful to work on the “Roll Over and Play Dead” exercises. Here are some exercises to get them on their back. As with other tricks, make it a game for them by using a toy or treats. This way, you won't have to fight them to lay on their back.

A rollover is nothing more than a Down position with a twist to the stand position. To do a Roll Over, first place your dog in the down position. Once they are down, then see which way there body is curving. If they curve more to the left, then you want to roll them over on there left side. If they are curved more toward the right, then you want to roll them over on her right side.

Hold a motivator and rotate it near there nose and say "Roll Over." Rotate there nose until it is stretched over there neck and guide the motivator over a little in the direction that you want them to roll over. This will rotate there shoulders around and bring them on there back. You may need to take a step to the right or left, depending which way they rolling over, to gain better leverage as you guide them in the Roll Over with the motivator. The momentum of there roll will swing their hind legs over and she will go into the stand position. At first, they may turn only half of the way over, so you may need to assist them to complete the rollover by nudging on their hind legs to make the full rotation.

This is a good exercise because it makes your puppy or dog feel vulnerable. They must trust you because they are off there feet and exposing their underside. A dog's underside is a tender spot - under the abs and neck is the area where dogs try to attack during a fight.

You can also have them play dead. Place them in a down position and use the same rotation with the motivator to make them rollover, but when they get on their back, hold the motivator above them to keep them on their back. Try to keep them on their  back for a few seconds as they nibble at the motivator that is right above them. Say "Bang! Bang!" while the other hand points at their chest like a pistol. Let them receive the entire treat upside down. Letting them receive the reward in this position allows them more time to play dead.

This is a great exercise to work if you are angry at your dog for something they have done. Instead of yelling at them or hitting, keep your voice calm and say "Bang! Bang!" Your dog will lay in a submissive pose on their back as they plays dead.