Command Crawl

"Crawling" is a challenging yet fun trick that physically and mentally stimulates your dog. It requires concentration, control, and coordination, and strengthens the partnership between you and your dog. This trick is perfect for demonstrating or mentally challenging your dog.

How to Teach Your Dog to Crawl

1. Start with "Down": Have your dog begin in a lying position. This is the starting position for the trick.
2. Use a reward: Hold a treat close to your dog's nose and let him smell it.
3. Guide the movement: Slowly move the treat forward, just above the ground. This will encourage your dog to crawl forward while staying low.
4. Give the command: Clearly say "Crawl" as your dog begins to move. If necessary, use a marker signal like "Yes" or "Good boy" when he makes the correct movement.
5. Reward only on command: Make sure you only reward your dog when he crawls at your cue. If he starts crawling on his own without you giving the command, don't reward him.
6. Repeat and build: Start with short distances and gradually increase the challenge by asking for longer crawling movements.

Tips for success

• Stay Low: Keep the treat close to the ground to prevent your dog from getting up.
• Be patient: Some dogs need time to understand that they need to stay down while crawling. Reward every small step in the right direction.
• Make it playful: Add variety by adding obstacles or a game where you have your dog crawl to a specific goal.
• Choose a quiet environment: Start in a place free of distractions to maintain focus.

Why is 'Crawling' important?

Besides being an impressive trick, "Crawling" helps improve your dog's control and coordination. It's a great exercise for their muscles and keeps them mentally sharp. Moreover, it strengthens your bond through the interaction and communication during training.

Troubleshooting during training

• Does your dog get up? Gently guide him back to the lying position and reward him only when he stays down.
• Is he getting frustrated? Keep the sessions short and use an extra appealing reward, like cheese or chicken.
• Is he distracted? Start in a quiet environment and add distractions later.

Want to show us how you teach your dog to "Crawl"? Send us a video explaining the training process and demonstrating your approach. Email your video to klantenservice@fidello.nl and receive €10 in store credit if your submission is published.