How to Teach Your Dog to “Spin”

ICofA Community
Jan 23
3 min read

How to Teach Your Dog to “Spin”

Teaching your dog to “spin” is one of the most fun and easiest tricks to start with. How to Teach Your Dog to “Spin” builds on the dog’s natural movements and provides quick success, which creates engagement and joy for both the dog and the handler.

1. Preparation

Prepare treats: Use small, soft treats that your dog really enjoys, such as sausage or chicken.
Choose a calm environment: Start the training in a quiet place without distractions, so your dog can focus more easily.

2. The Training Process (Luring)

Here we use a technique called luring, where the dog follows a treat held in your hand.

Starting position: Stand in front of your dog. It works best if the dog is already standing.
Guide the dog: Hold a treat directly in front of the dog’s nose. Slowly move your hand in a wide circle towards the dog's flank (hip), guiding them to turn around.

Tip: Keep your hand at nose level. If you hold your hand too high, many dogs will sit down instead of spinning.

Complete the circle: Move your hand all the way around until the dog has made a full turn and is facing you again.
Reward immediately: The instant the dog completes the turn, say “Good!” (or click) and give the treat right away.

Is Your Dog Struggling?

If your dog does not follow the treat all the way around, reward in small steps. Start by rewarding the dog just for turning its head or body slightly in the right direction, and gradually increase the criteria as the dog improves.

3. Add the Verbal Cue

When your dog follows the hand movement smoothly 4–5 times in a row, you can add the verbal cue:

Say “Spin” just before you start the hand movement.
Repeat this several times so the dog associates the word with the action that follows.

4. Fade Out the Hand Movement

The goal is for the dog to eventually spin using only the verbal cue or a subtle signal.

Hide the treat: Begin making the movement with an empty hand (prompting) and give the treat from your other hand only after the dog has spun.
Make the signal smaller: Gradually reduce the size of the hand movement and move it slightly farther away from the dog’s nose. Eventually, a small circular motion with your index finger will be enough.

💡 Fact: Why “Spin” Is a Brain Booster

This trick isn't just cute—it actually activates two powerful emotional systems in your dog’s brain:

1. The "Seeking" System (Curiosity & Focus) When the dog follows the treat and solves the task, curiosity and anticipation are activated. This promotes mental focus and can help reduce stress and restlessness.

2. The "Play" System (Joy & Connection) Training tricks feels like a game to your dog! The playful interaction creates joy and behavioral flexibility, while strengthening both the relationship and the dog’s motivation to learn.

Tips for Success

Train both directions: Dogs distinguish between left and right. A pro tip is to use two different cues: for example, “Spin” for turning left and “Twist” for turning right.
Keep sessions short: 2–3 minutes is enough. It is better to stop while the dog is still eager and wants more.
Be patient: If the dog hesitates, help him with a clearer hand movement instead of repeating the word "Spin" many times.