Command Roles

"Rolling over" is a playful trick that's fun for both you and your dog. It requires a little more coordination than basic commands, but with patience and consistency, any dog can learn this skill. The trick is not only entertaining but also good exercise for your dog to stay physically active.

How to Teach Your Dog to Roll Over

Start with "Down": Have your dog do "Down" first, so he starts in a lying position.
Use a treat: Hold a treat near your dog's nose and make sure he's focused on the reward.
Guide the movement: Slowly move the treat in a semicircle toward his shoulder. This will encourage your dog to turn his head and roll over.
Give the command: Say "Roll" clearly as you guide the movement. Your dog will eventually roll over onto his back to get the treat.
Reward only on command: Make sure you only reward your dog when he rolls over at your command. If he rolls over on his own without you saying anything, don't reward him.
Repeat and reinforce: Practice regularly in short sessions until your dog associates the movement with the command "Roll over."

Tips for success

Use a quiet environment: Start in a quiet room without distractions.
Be patient: Some dogs don't understand the movement right away; reward every small step in the right direction.
Make it fun: Use a cheerful voice and an attractive reward to keep your dog motivated.
Build it up: Once your dog has mastered "Roll," you can have him roll in either direction.

Why is 'Rolling' important?

Besides being a fun trick to perform, "Rolling" helps your dog improve their coordination and obedience. It also strengthens communication between you and your dog, which is essential for further training.

Troubleshooting during training

Does your dog refuse to roll? Start with smaller movements and reward him when he turns his head or shoulder.
Does your dog not understand the movement? Use the treat to slowly guide him in the right direction.
Is he distracted? Go back to a quiet environment and practice without stimuli.

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