This trick is fun and easy. Moreover, it’s great for dogs who have assertive personalities, because it teaches them that lowering their body stance can be enjoyable.
Begin with a dog who has already learned how to perform a down and stay. This is a very important first step, because the dog must be comfortable with a “down” position in order to lower himself onto his side and then his back. The down-stay must be pleasant for him. Lots of belly rubs while in a down-stay position go a long way toward creating a desire to perform the behavior.
You can use a target stick if your dog has learned how to “target,” or just use some food in your hand and have your dog naturally follow your hand. Use something with a strong smell, such as freeze-dried chicken, cheese, or bacon.
Procedures:
With your dog in a down/stay, show him your treat filled hand and allow him to sniff at it. When he shows an interest, use a reward marker, such as a clicker or the word “Yes,” and then give him a small treat.
Next, lure his head around his shoulder so that he has to shift his weight to the side. The moment he shifts his weight, use the reward marker again and give him his treat. Repeat this two times.
When your dog readily shifts his weight, bring his head around further by moving your hand toward his back so that he must twist his head around to follow the treats, putting more weight onto his back. The moment his back touches the floor or ground, use the reward marker and give him his reward. Repeat two times.
It is an easy transition to rolling all the way over at this point. As your dog is comfortable on his back, knowing that rolling onto his back will be rewarding, merely bring your target/hand all the way around so that his head follows closely, his body following suite. The moment he arrives onto his other side, mark the moment with your reward marker and give him his treat. Repeat the exercise two times before moving on to another exercise. This will insure it is ingrained and something your dog will eagerly perform.
Building on the Behavior
You can finesse the roll over by holding out on the reward marker until your dog rolls over and then gets up. You can also begin reducing the visual cue as your dog learns to respond to the motion. Many visual cues begin as following a target and can be reduced to minimal movements, such as twirling a finger or even a mere head movement.