Spin
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BbbAJEYk-4&feature=youtu.be]
Behavior- Dog spins in a tight circle counterclockwise.
Criteria- Dog is on your left side. As you give your cue your dog should spin in a tight circle next you to you on your left side.
Verbal Cue- ‘Spin’
Visual Cue- With your left index finger out slowly move it counterclockwise.
Behavior Pyramid-
- Dog should be standing on your left side facing forward.
- With a treat in your left slowly move the treat counterclockwise. Click and reward ¼ turn.
- Repeat step 2, 5 times.
- Increase your expectations by clicking and rewarding ½ turn.
- Repeat step 4, 5 times.
- Increase your expectations by clicking and rewarding ¾ turn.
- Repeat step 6, 5 times.
- Increase your expectations by clicking and rewarding a full counterclockwise circle.
Tips
Help! My dog wants to sit and spin. If this is happening to you click and reward your dog for standing while following the treat. Do not worry about rewarding a full ¼, ½, or ¾ turn. You might have to take smaller steps and reward just a head turn while your dog is standing.
My dog looses focus and doesn’t want to follow the treat. Take your time! Follow the above steps slowly, do not expect too much from your dog too fast. Click and reward small victories. An idea is to work on this behavior before breakfast or dinner time as your dog may be more food motivated at that time. If your dog is more toy motivated use a toy to lure your dog in a circle. Give them their toy at 1/4, 1/2 , ¾ turn.
My dog doesn’t stay close to me. Keep your dog on leash while they are learning this behavior so they can stay close to you.
