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When you’re looking to expand your repertoire of tricks, one impressive command to teach is the Play Dead trick. This is definitely a step above something like ‘Sit’ or 'Stay’, so you’ll want to make sure you’ve got these easy ones down pat first.
This command is just what it sounds like– your dog acts like they’ve died after you pretend to shoot them. A little dramatic, sure, but it’s a fun one to show your friends and family! This article includes step-by-step training as well as a comprehensive troubleshooting section.
What You’ll Need to Teach the “Play Dead” Trick
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching Your Dog to Play Dead
Step 2 – Guide the Dog to Roll Onto Their Side and Stay Still with Head Down
Step 5 – Practice in Different Settings and from Different Positions (Sit, Stand)
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
Before starting your training session, set yourself up for success. You’ll want to have a few things to hand, including:
Opt for very high value treats when your dog is just starting out with tricks like this. This may mean hot dog, ham, or cheese, depending on your dog’s taste buds. Have a large supply– you won’t want to run out just as you get into the rhythm of things.
The initial training sessions must always be carried out in areas with little distraction, so your dog can pay you their full attention and is not constantly getting sidetracked by things like loud noises, other people or dogs.
Don’t expect to nail it the very first time. Though it can be frustrating, most dogs take a few sessions before they get things right. You’ll want to be consistent in your demands and patient in your outlook. Of course, don’t forget that positive attitude, as this will trickle down to your dog too!
Now, let’s get to it. While a little more complex than some other commands, there are just six steps involved in this one.
You will have already taught ‘Down’ and your dog should be able to do this confidently. Ask for them to go into the down position like you usually would, using a tasty treat in your hand to really get their attention.
Use that treat as a lure to guide your dog. It starts off by their face where they can smell it, and you’ll then move it in an arc over their shoulder, so your dog will naturally follow you as they chase the tempting scent and flop to their side, with their head down.
Ask them to ‘Stay!’ (again, a command you’ll have previously worked on) and wait a few beats before rewarding them. Gradually increase the time they need to stay still before the treat is released.
Once your dog is happy to lie down and roll on repeat, you’re ready to teach the verbal cue. Use a short cue that is not used in your training at other times such as ‘BANG!’. You can also introduce a hand signal, which may be pointing your index finger with your thumb up, like you’re shooting a toy gun.
Once your dog is consistently doing what you want every time, you won’t have to use the lure so much. Still, it can be used from time to time, to help ensure they nail that position.
Over time, you’ll be able to go to busy places and practice, as well as to request the command from different positions (like when they’re already lying down or when they’re seated).
Once your dog can do the trick any place, any time, they have mastered it.
Don’t forget the importance of reward. For your dog, praise and treats are their motivation– not a simple desire to please you. While you can gradually phase treats out as they learn the command, you should always praise your dog and should give treats now and then as a reward, to keep them on side.
To play dead, your dog must have lots of trust in you as they are presenting their belly and staying really still– regardless of what is going on around them. They also need to get themselves into quite an awkward position. So, it is little wonder that issues can arise.
Some dogs dislike hard or cold surfaces such as pavements, tiles or wooden floors. For this reason, it is sensible to start the training on a comfortable surface such as a grassy field or carpeted floor.
Dogs with thinner skin (such as Sighthounds), barrel-chested dogs, as well as senior dogs and those with underlying medical issues like arthritis, are going to struggle with hard surfaces. For these dogs, it makes sense to only ask for them to obey the command where they are comfortable.
It is not uncommon for dogs to get up out of the roll, rather than staying ‘dead’ and down. It is very unnatural for them to stay still, while so vulnerably positioned. You may need to spend time with them, holding the lure as they watch it and wait for you to ‘release’ them.
It can also be a great idea to do some ‘quick fire’ treats, one after the other, as they stay in position. As soon as they move out of position, the treats stop.
If it becomes a consistent issue, consider adding a release word such as ‘Alive!’, and only giving the treat when they know to stay dead until the release word is given.
In the beginning, you may find you’re not using the lure in the right place. It is also a common mistake to give the treat too soon, before the dog is fully in the dead position. They need to be on their side and with their head down– you don’t want to reward a partial roll.
Beware of placing the treat too far forward or behind when using it as a lure, as this may make it awkward for your dog to get into position. At the start, you’ll be going right down to their shoulder and giving the treat from there.
It stands to reason that if they’re in a noisy room or if other dogs are nearby, it will be hard for them to focus and to learn the play dead trick.. It is only when they’re very comfortable with their training (usually weeks down the line), that we should expect them to listen in distracting environments.
It is human nature to want to rush ahead through the steps, and to expect your dog to move at your pace, even when they’re not quite sure what you’re asking of them. The key is to break the play dead trick up into sections, spending a good amount of time on each one, and rewarding heavily when your dog nails it. If your dog is having an ‘off’ day, don’t be afraid to leave the training until tomorrow.
Puppies are adaptable and more flexible, so can take to this trick better than adult dogs. However, adults have the advantage of a longer attention span, and many already know ‘lie’ and ‘stay’ very well.
You may notice when you teach your puppy to play dead that he finds it easy to go into different positions and to bend his body– though he may not be the most coordinated.
When training puppies, you’ll want to keep sessions super short and to the point. Keep those high value treats rolling and reward them every time they get things right.
Older dogs can handle longer sessions and likely won’t need the same amount of treats. However, some will have learned bad habits (like getting up too soon, or not putting their head down) and you may need to help them ‘un-learn’ these.
Training your dog to play dead is an advanced trick, and not one that every dog will understand right away. Follow the below tips, to ensure your dog gets there sooner rather than later:
Keep sessions short and positive
Short and sweet really is key here. This trick makes your dog use their mind as well as their body, and you don’t want them to burn out. Even just a 3-5 minute session once or twice a day, should be enough to have this trick learned by the end of the week.
Use high-value treats
Kibble is not going to cut it. You need to motivate your dog and this means extra yummy treats like warmed up chicken or hotdog. Don’t skimp on the treats if you want quick results.
End training on a good note
If your dog is finding things a bit confusing or overwhelming, end the session by asking for a ‘Sit’ or ‘Paw’ and reward them when they do. This way, they still have that warm fuzzy feeling when they think about their fun training time with you.
Be consistent with commands and cues
As the teacher, you need to be tight when it comes to the signals you give off. If your hand signal changes or you don’t keep your voice at the same tone when giving the command, this will only cause confusion. Consistency is key.
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