Cute Dog Trick: Play Dead

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite dog tricks, Play Dead.  This is one of the first tricks I taught my Siberian Husky, Icy.  It's kind of a show stopper!



Like many dog tricks, this one builds on basic obedience commands or easy tricks that many dogs already know.  This trick takes Stay/Wait, Down and Roll over and expands them into a fun trick!

Here's how to teach your dog Bang! Play Dead:

* Put your dog into a Stay or Wait
* Then give the command to lie Down
* Once in a Down position use a treat lure to get your dog to roll, but not completely over, just onto their back.

Once your dog gets Down and Rolling onto his back together, start adding verbal cues.
 
Start by saying "Down, and Roll".  Once your dog can do both Down and Roll in one movement, change the verbal cue to "Bang, Down and Roll". 

Once your dog gets the movement with "Bang, Down, and Roll" drop the "Down and Roll" and just say "Bang".

Upon giving the "Bang" verbal cue you want your dog to Down, and then immediately Roll onto his back.

It may take a bunch of tries.  Revert back to using a treat lure and the "Down" and "Roll" verbal cues if needed to get your dog to perform the motions with only the "Bang" verbal command.

*** REMEMBER ***
> Always use only Positive Reinforcement methods when training, never yell at or hit your dog!  If you're getting frustrated that your dog isn't paying attention or getting the trick, take a break.

> Keep training sessions short, about 15 - 20 minutes or so at a time, if you do much more than that your dog may get bored or frustrated. 

> Be Patient, training takes time.  If you feel your dog just isn't getting it after awhile, the trick may not be a good fit for your dog!  Just like people, every dog is an individual, don't push him into something he's not comfortable with or that is too difficult for him - try a different trick!

> And most of all, Have FUN!  Tricks training should feel like play for your dog.  It's also a great way to strengthen the bond you have with your dog.

If you enjoyed this blog post, you may also like:
The Where's My Dog trick, another show stopping dog trick!

Dog Training Doesn't End with Puppyhood, it's a lifelong endeavor.


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6 comments:

Two French Bulldogs said...

My cairn terrier friend use to do that, so funny
Lily & Edward

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It always gets a laugh! Especially since it looks like she's doing it in slow motion, LOL!

Hailey and Zaphod and their Lady said...

Hailey does this trick but doesn't like to stay down too long!

M. K. Clinton said...

Playing dead is one of my favorite tricks too! Great video filled with drama! LOL!

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

Ha ha! If you mark the behavior but increase the time, little by little, before she gets the treat that may help.

Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them said...

It's one of my faves too. So glad you liked our dramatic video, lol!

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