[Trick of the Month] Spin and Twist

The Trick:

Spin and Twist (or whatever you want to name them)- being able to spin in both directions.

The Training:

The trick to this trick is getting your pup to repeat the activity you want. You can use targeting or luring with your dog in the beginning stages to help encourage your dog to preform this behavior.

Now before you actually begin, decide which hand/gesture you will use to spin your pup for both left and right sides. There are several different motions people use, just figure out which ones feels more natural to you, but they must be distinguishable for the dog. Using that motion, lead the dog in a circle, and reward once they are facing you again. At first, you want to focus on just one side, but once they start to understand, you can start teach the other direction as a brand new trick, change hands/directions frequently, and try not to add words too soon. If they run in to any confusion, just rewind a little bit, and try again.

After a few successful repetitions, add a word/phrase, continue with that for a few reps more, and you can start to shorten the target/lure into a quick and simple hand gesture.

So remember, keep it fun and keep it simple!

If you have ANY questions or comments about this, please speak up, we will be happy to hear from you and give help!

A few videos:

McCann Dogs video

and

How Cast: Dog Training video