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)
- Start with your dog facing you.
- Place treat on your dog’s nose. Allow him to sniff and taste it, but not grab and chew the treat.
- Hold the lure still until your dog reaches for it.
- Lure your dog’s nose toward his rear end. Your dog’s body is creating a half circle.
- Practice “half moon” a few times. This is a good stretch for dogs too!
Full Spin
- Lure your dog into “half moon.”
- Now, lure his nose behind his rear end in a sweeping motion.
- Lure his nose back toward you.
- 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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