It’s playful, easy to teach, and guaranteed to earn tail wags (and a few “wows!” from friends). Whether you're new to training or just looking for a fresh activity with your dog, you're in the right spot. Let's make this fun for both of you.
Step 1: Find Their Focus
To start, you want to find a good treat for your dog that you know they won't be able to resist. Hold the treat at the dog's nose so they are fully engaged with you. If they're distracted, then move to an area with fewer distractions, such as a quiet room.
Step 2: Move in a Circle
With the treat in your hand, slowly move it in a big circle in front of their nose. Visualize it as if you are drawing a big U above the floor. It is important to keep the treat close enough so their nose is tracking your hand, but you do not want to rush them to turn. Allow them to turn at their own pace.
Trainer Tip: If your dog is hesitant at first, you can start with smaller circles and reward them for a half-turn or less.
Step 3: Praise Them and Repeat
As soon as your dog completes the spin, even just part of it, be sure to praise them and give them the treat. A happy "yes!" or "good spin!" is sufficient. Practice this a few times to help your dog get the feel of it.
Step 4: Add the Verbal Cue
Only after (or when) your dog is going around with the hand motion should you start introducing the word. For example, you can say "spin!" right before you guide them. With repetition, your dog will understand the command.
Helpful Hint: Stick to the same cue word every time. Dogs like consistency.
Step 5: Increase the Criteria
Now that your dog is spinning proficiently, you can ask them to spin twice before receiving a reward. You can either say "spin, spin!" or reward them after the second spin. As you build on their progress, this will help keep them engaged.
Step 6: Take Away the Treat but Keep the Motion
After your dog spins on command with the hand motion, try the circular motion without holding a treat in your hand. Instead of rewarding them with a treat from your hand after the spin, use treats from your pocket. Then, try to break it down even further. You may find that the verbal cue, without a hand gesture, is all that is needed.
Extra Tips for Success
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Be patient. Some dogs learn quickly, while others need a little more time.
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Keep training short and sweet — two to five minutes at most.
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Celebrate every success, even small ones.
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End on a positive note to leave your dog feeling good about their training.
“If your dog only does half a spin, praise it. That is still a success!”
Learning a new trick is a process, and you and your dog are in it together. The more fun you have, the faster they will learn. So laugh, cheer, and enjoy. And when your dog performs its first full spin, we would love to hear all about it.
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-your-dog-to-spin-around/
