How to Teach a Dog to Play Dead
Forget the old saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” With patience, a few dog treats and enough time on your hands, you can teach your dog some cool tricks such as teaching him how to play dead. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Get some energy out.
Let your dog play first or take him out for a walk to get some energy out before you start the training session. Ten minutes is enough for him to get tired and avoid getting distracted while you’re teaching him the new trick. Give him a few minutes to relax after. To yield better results, make sure that your dog is interested in you the whole time. You need to insert quick play sessions in between training.
Teach basic commands first.
You should teach your furry buddy basic obedience skills first before jumping into new tricks. For instance teach him to “sit” first before commanding him to “lie down.” While doing a command such as “sit”, hold a treat in front of his face and move it down to the floor. Then, say “down” as you lower your treat to the ground. Your dog will then follow the treat and lie down when he hears your “down” command.
Teach him to play “dead”
play deadObserve your dog and note which side he is leaning to. Make your dog “roll over” by holding a treat in front of his nose while moving it in a circle. Your dog will follow the treat instinctively and he will eventually turnover.
Give the command “roll over” and make sure he is on his back. Give him a good belly rub and praise him for a job well done. Give him a reward when he stays on his back. Repeat these steps numerously until your dog has mastered the art of rolling over.
Gradually change your commands. Instead of moving your hand in a circle, start pointing at your dog and say “play dead” or “bang bang.” Try moving farther away from him while giving the command. After many sessions, your dog will eventually master this skill.