Train Your Dog to Spin

Teaching your dog tricks is fun, but there’s more to it! Spending time to teach your dog new behaviors builds a strong bond of trust between you and your pet. Plus, you’re providing mental stimulation, meaning you’re keeping your dog’s brain sharp and engaged. You’re creating a thinking dog, which is fabulous!

How to Teach Your Dog to Spin

You’ll need several medium to large yummy treats to begin the process. Usually, I use string cheese and break each stick into thirds. You can use hot dogs or chunks of chicken–use whatever your dog loves.

RELATED: Dog Training Treats

Half Moon (Nose to Rear)

1. Start with your dog facing you.
2. Place treat on your dog’s nose. Allow him to sniff and taste it, but not grab and chew the treat.
3. Hold the lure still until your dog reaches for it.
4. Lure your dog’s nose toward his rear end. Your dog’s body is creating a half circle.
5. Practice “half moon” a few times. This is a good stretch for dogs too!

Full Spin

1. Lure your dog into “half moon.”
2. Now, lure his nose behind his rear end in a sweeping motion.
3. Lure his nose back toward you.
4. Voila! A full circle.

Add a Cue

For 2-3 days, practice luring your dog into a spin. After a week of practice, say “spin” before you begin luring. Continue practicing for another week. Now say “spin” and wait for your dog to turn around. If, after 3 seconds, your dog does not spin, it means he’s confused and doesn’t know the cue. Continue pairing “cue” with luring a spin for another week.

VIDEO: How to Teach Your Dog to Spin

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