Dog Training Guide › Grade 2 Intermediate
How to teach your dog "Play Dead"
Say "Bang!" and down it goes — the actor's trick.
Learn it in the game
Difficulty ★★★ · In the game it takes about 2 sessions (1–2 minutes each).
Teach your real dog
- Ask for Down
- Move the treat toward the shoulder so it rolls onto its side
- Click when it lies on its side
- Build up to holding for 2 seconds
Common mistake
Showing the belly means relaxed, not scared — that is fine.
Caution
Keep sessions under 5 minutes. Stop if your dog is tired or uninterested and try again later. Even shorter for puppies and seniors.