There are many fun tricks that you can teach to your dog. “Spin” has always been one of my favorites. “Spin”, which is easy to teach and fun to perform, asks your dog simply to turn in a circle.
If she continues to sit, back up and invite her to move forward toward you as you begin the spinning. You can invite her to come forward as you start spinning the lure. If she continues to sit, you can back up and ask her to move toward you. Move the treat 45 to 90 degrees in an arc towards her tail to lure her to your left (her right). Mark (using a “click” from a clicker, or verbal markers such as “Yes!”), and give her a reward if she follows the lure by moving her feet at the start of a spinning. If your dog is a good follower, you can go to 90 degrees. Start with 45 degrees if she is hesitant. Gradually increase the arc by marking and treating generously until she is doing a 360-degree turn. The “Spin” Cue
You can fade the lure out as quickly as possible, and make your gestures smaller until the dog will only spin on a verbal or small finger or hand gesture. Photo by Nancy Kerns
Add your cue when your dog is able to complete the circle every time. I use “Spin”, for a turn to the right (counterclockwise), “Twirl”, for a turn to the left (clockwise). Consistency is key! You can choose any cues that you like. You can also use “Shout”, “Twist”, “Donut”, and “Cheerio” as cues. Slowly reduce the hand motion, and then fade it completely until she will spin only on a verbal or small finger or hand signal. Click here for information on how you can fade the use of food lures. If you want to “Twirl”, do the same, but start with the treat on your left hand. Then turn her in the opposite direction.
Show off your skills to friends and family now!
How to teach your dog to spin whole
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.topdogadvisor.com/five-steps-to-stop-puppy-biting/
