Enrichment & Fun

Trick: Spin

Enrichment & Fun

Overview

Spin is easy, fun, and doubles as a light physical warm-up. Teach both directions to keep your dog balanced.

Why it matters

Spin is a great "reset" behavior when a session is getting heavy — it's pure fun and easy to win at.

Watch: demonstration

[VIDEO PLACEHOLDER] Spin demo: dog follows a treat lure in a full circle. — trainer to attach a video via the admin uploader.

Step by step

  1. Hold a treat at your dog's nose.

  2. Slowly move the treat in a wide circle, keeping it at nose level.

  3. The dog's body will follow their nose around.

  4. Mark and treat when they complete a full circle.

  5. Add a cue ("spin" or "twirl") once the motion is smooth.

  6. Teach the other direction with a different cue ("twist").

[IMAGE PLACEHOLDER] The luring hand path for a full spin. — trainer to upload one or more still images.

Common mistakes

  • Moving the lure too fast — the dog gives up.

  • Only training one direction — dogs get one-sided.

  • Practicing on slippery floors — hard on joints.

Practice this week

10 spins each direction daily for a week.