Teaching us Labradors Retrievers to Roll Over

Labrador Retrievers are very intelligent, and we love any opportunity to learn a new trick! We are also very eager to please, and will try our best to learn commands that you teach us. When trying to teach us the “roll over” command, there are a few methods that will help us to best understand and learn this command. It's recommended to start basic training commands before using the “roll over” command, as this will help us to understand your role as our teacher.

METHOD #1

This method involves the association of the “roll over” command with a previously learned trick, in this case, the “down” or “lie down” command. It's fairly easy for a dog to go from the “down” position to the “roll over” position. The best way to do this is to entice us with a treat, as we will respond eagerly to any training method that has a resulting food-based reward.

Begin by kneeling down, while also holding a yummy treat to the side of your dog's head. Treats with a strong aroma work well for this trick. This method works especially well if your dog is laying with their legs to one side, similar to a resting position. Start moving the treat around your dog's head, on the same side that their legs are leaning away from. Slowly move the treat from the side of your dog's head around to the back. Your Labrador will attempt to keep the treat within seeing distance, and will turn their head to follow the hand with the treat. This will cause them to roll over onto their back. Since this is the “Roll over” command and not the “Play dead” command, continue rotating the treat until your dog makes one complete rotation and is once again in the “lie down” position. During this, remember to repeat the command “Roll over” to reinforce the action with the spoken command. Once your dog has completed this process, be sure to give them the treat as a reward.

METHOD #2

This method involves manually aiding your dog in obeying the “roll over” command, until they eventually are able to accomplish it on their own. Approach your dog with a treat, while they are lying down (usually best done indoors). Try not to show them the treat until you kneel down to their level, to prevent them from standing up. This will cause your dog to give you their full attention! Manually reach over and grasp your dog's legs, while rubbing their tummy in the process. We love having our tummy rubbed! This means that your dog will naturally roll over on its back during the tummy rubbing. Continue rotating your dog's legs until your dog is laying on the opposite side that you started on. Repeat the “Roll Over” command, then stand up. Your dog wil stand up as well, at which point, you can offer them their reward, for successful completion of this trick! This method should be repeated several times, and will eventually allow your Labradors to do this trick on their own.