How to Train Puppies to Rollover

By Amanda D.

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Treats

Step 1:
Use the "down" command and reward your puppy with a treat when she obeys. If your puppy doesn't know this command, hold a treat by her nose while she sits, say "down" and slowly bring the treat toward the floor to encourage her to follow. Give her the treat when she lies down. It might take many repetitions before your puppy can follow the vocal command with the desired behavior.
Step 2:
Move a treat from in front of your puppy's nose to right above her shoulder to get her to roll to one side. If she doesn't roll at first, keep trying and praise her when she succeeds.
Step 3:
Hold the treat above your puppy's nose when she's on her side and move it sideways until she rolls over while following the treat. Give her the treat and praise as a reward when she rolls all the way over. Perform several repetitions and positively reinforce successful rolls with rewards.
Step 4:
Add in the vocal command "roll over" when your puppy lies down. Move the treat and reward complete rolls. After several repetitions, use the vocal command without moving the treat and reward your puppy when she rolls over.
Step 5:
Use the "roll over" vocal command without offering a treat and praise your puppy enthusiastically when she succeeds. At this point, you should be able to use the vocal command alone, but you can offer a treat reward from time to time to continue reinforcing this behavior.

Tips & Warnings

Some dogs prefer one side over the other. If your puppy has trouble rolling on one side, try having her roll on to her other side. You can have her roll over in the more difficult direction once she masters rolling onto her preferred side.The ASPCA recommends limiting training sessions to 15 minutes or less so your puppy doesn't lose interest or become frustrated. Avoid ending sessions following a failed attempt. Switch to a behavior that your puppy performs well and end the training session on a positive note. If you're familiar with clicker training, you can use clicks for additional reinforcement when teaching your puppy to roll over.
Don't physically punish or yell at your puppy if she won't obey commands or becomes overly excited, since this can instill fear in her and could lead to aggressive behavior, according to professional dog trainer Victoria Stilwell. Attempt teaching your puppy to roll over again when she's calmer or in a less distracting environment.

Resources

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