Dog trainer on the three steps you need to master to teach your dog to spin

A dog trainer has issued a step-by-step guide for getting your dog to complete its first successful spin trick.

At its core, dog training is the simple process of affirming the behaviors you want in your four-legged friend. Unfortunately, anyone with a dog will tell you that the reality is much more difficult.

How to teach your dog to spin

Taking to TikTok in 2023, American Standard K9 (@americanstandardk9) demystified the trick learning process with three very simple steps, a clicker, and a handful of treats. He was joined by what appeared to be a black Cane Corso puppy.

The first step to teach your dog to spin was selecting the right treat to help your dog learn how to spin. Though each dog would undoubtedly have their preference, Purina lists lean meat as the most popular food followed by standard kibble, peanut butter, and pumpkin.

Once selected, you need to work on getting your dog to follow the food in your hand. This can be done in simple figure-of-eight motions until your dog is comfortable following your hand without the treat being in your hand. Though you’re not carrying the food at this stage, you should always mark the moment with a click and follow up with a treat.

The third and final step is all about “naming it, baby” and entails using a trigger word to spark the trick. This word is usually spin, but in theory, it could be anything.

After a few more spins and the accompanying treats, your dog should be spinning like a maniac on command.

Easier said than done, apparently

Though the steps are incredibly simple to follow, a lot of TikTok users were still reporting issues with the process.

One person admitted: “My dog just sits and turns his head around.”

“Bro my dog starts jumping on me when I hand her food,” another said, while a third added, “My dog turns to the left when I say spin and turns to the right when I say dance luckily she’s so food motivated she’ll learn anything in minutes.”