Playing dead is a fun party trick for a dog to know. It’s not quite as crucial as basics like “sit” or “stay,” but it’s a great way for you and your dog to enjoy some playful training time together.
Before diving into “play dead,” make sure your dog already has a solid grasp of “lie down” and “stay.” Follow this simple step-by-step approach to add the trick to your dog’s repertoire:
Step 1: Get Comfortable With the Down Position
Start by asking your dog to lie down. Pay attention to which side they naturally prefer to roll onto, since many dogs have a favorite side. It helps to work with that preferred side when teaching this trick, since your dog will pick it up more easily.
Step 2: Bring in the Treats
Grab your dog’s attention with a treat held right in front of their nose. Gradually guide their head back toward their shoulder using the treat, letting their body naturally follow and twist to the side. Once they’ve turned to their side, stop guiding your hand so they don’t keep rolling all the way over. From there, guide their attention downward toward the floor with the treat. Give them the treat once their head has followed it all the way down. The instant your dog is lying on its side, mark the moment with a “yes,” a “good,” or a click from a clicker, then follow up with a treat. Run through this sequence several times.
Step 3: Introduce a Cue
Once your dog has practiced the roll a handful of times, start pairing it with a verbal cue and a hand signal. A common choice is combining a spoken word with a hand shaped like a pretend gun pointed at the dog. Whichever cue you settle on, say it, show the hand signal, then place the treat on the ground next to your dog. Over time, stop placing the treat down in advance and instead reward your dog only after they “come back to life.”
Keep training sessions to about 15 minutes at a time, and only begin when your dog is calm, focused, and ready to work. Give them a break once the 15 minutes are up.
To keep things fun and rewarding for both of you, wrap up each session on a high note, right after your dog nails the trick successfully.
