Roll Over Trick

Before teaching this trick understand that:
- your puppy should know the basic training commands (sit, stay, come, down, heel)
- you should teach only one command at a time in order for the puppy to have fun learning
- make lessons short (5 minutes at a time)


Step 1 – Take your dog to a quiet area where there will be little distraction, and take a few treats with you.

Step 2 – Before you begin teaching your dog, spend some time building his trust by rubbing his tummy and touching his legs and feet. 

- Begin roll over by having your pet lie on his side.

- Your pet will show you some resistance when you first begin to handle his legs and feet, as most dogs don’t like these parts of their body handled.

- Talk to your dog while you gently handle his paws and legs so he’ll trust you. Once he’s comfortable with you handling him take a break.

Step 3 – When you are ready to return to training:

- put your dog back in the lying position and pet him as you did before.

- This time while you are petting him, give him the command “Roll Over” and pick up his legs that are closest to the floor and gently pull your dog over so he is on his opposite side.

- Immediately praise him and give him a treat. Continue this maneuver along with the command to familiarize your dog with it and always praise him. However, don’t always give your dog a treat, as this is a fast way to make him overweight.

- If when you are manually rolling your dog over, he appears frightened or is in pain from you handling him, stop at once.

Step 4 – With enough practice, your dog will eventually associate going on his other side with the command and a reward.

On a side note: If your dog does not like you handling his paws, you can try achieving roll over by using a food treat. Begin the training by :

1) Laying your dog on his side and show him the treat he really likes.

2) Move the treat over his head to the opposite side. Make sure you do the maneuver so that your dog must follow the treat by moving his head. By moving his head, his body will follow.

3) Once he is successfully on his other side, reward him with the treat and praise him.

Click Here to see a live demonstration of the roll over trick

References:

"Dog Tricks : Roll Over Dog Trick." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 14 Jan. 2010. .

"Shih Tzu Training And Obedience Advice." The Shih Tzu And Its Training And Care. Web. 14 Jan. 2010.