Obedience training tips for December 2007.      Roll Over Trick / Command    2 important things to consider before trying teaching your dog this trick:  1) Some dog’s find the motion of rolling over uncomfortable, so if your dog seems unwilling about showing its belly, stop trying to teach it this trick, and move onto one it does enjoy.    2) Begin teaching this trick by having your dog in the Lie Down position (on its belly). So as not to hurt your dog’s back, it is recommended that you conduct the lesson on a soft surface such as grass or carpet.    Kneel in front of your dog, holding a treat in your hand. Put the treat under your dog’s nose, say “Max, Roll Over”, and then slowly move the treat around and behind his head to the other side. In order to follow the treat with his nose, your dog should lie on his side, and then roll right over. If he does, give him the treat along with lots of praise and encouragement.   Try this a number of times, making sure to give the command every time so that he forms as association with the word.   After some time, try using the hand movement and giving the command without using the treat.   Eventually you should be able to just use the command, and a quick hand movement.   Good piece of advice from Faith.