Teaching your dog new tricks isn’t just about obedience—it’s about bonding, communication, and having fun together. And when it comes to cute tricks that never fail to impress, the play dead trick is a true favorite. It’s entertaining, easy to teach with a little patience, and the perfect way to show off your dog’s personality and smarts.
A video of a man trying (and hilariously failing) to teach his golden retriever how to use a ball launcher went viral recently. The internet couldn’t get enough of the adorable chaos—and it’s proof that dog training is full of surprises, laughs, and plenty of learning moments for both pets and owners.
This guide will show you how to successfully teach your dog to play dead in just a few sessions—with some treats, cues, and plenty of encouragement.
What You’ll Need Before You Start Training
Before diving into the play dead position, make sure you have the essentials ready to teach your dog tricks.
1. A Clicker
A clicker is a simple device that makes a distinct sound to mark good behavior. It helps your dog understand exactly what they did right—making learning faster and clearer. If you don't have one, you can also use a tongue click, whistle, or finger snap as your cue.
2. Your Dog’s Favorite Treats
Treats are your best motivator. Keep a stash of irresistible, high-value snacks or even a treat tumbler that releases rewards as your pup learns. A treat lure helps guide your dog into position and reinforces their progress along the way.
3. A Comfortable, Open Training Area
Pick a spacious, quiet area for training—somewhere your dog can relax without distractions. A soft pad or mat signals that it’s time for fun learning. If you live in an apartment, you can set up a designated training corner while keeping an indoor dog grass pad nearby for when your pup needs a potty break between sessions.
Step-by-Step: How to Teach the Play Dead Trick
Plan to spend a few minutes daily on each step. Dogs learn best in short, positive bursts.
Step 1: Start with “Down”
Have your dog lie down. Kneel beside them and make sure they’re comfortable.
Step 2: Use a Treat Lure
Hold a treat near your dog’s nose and slowly move your hand toward their shoulder. This motion will naturally encourage them to roll onto their side. If they follow through, mark the moment with a click or a cheerful “yes!” and reward them.
Tip: Work with the side your dog naturally prefers—it helps them understand the movement faster.
Step 3: Encourage the Hold
Once your dog rolls onto their side, ask them to stay for one second, then reward. Gradually increase the duration—two seconds, then three, and so on—each time using your clicker or cue before giving the treat.
Step 4: Transition to an Empty Hand
Once your dog gets the hang of following the treat, repeat the same hand motion without a treat—this time rewarding only after they complete the action. This teaches them that the cue, not the food, is what matters.
Step 5: Add Distance and a Cue
Move from kneeling to standing. Keep using the same hand motion, but now add a verbal cue like “Bang!”, “Sleep!”, or “Play Dead.” Be consistent—dogs rely on repetition to connect words and actions.
If your dog hesitates, gently push or guide them into position while using your chosen cue, then reward. Over time, they’ll learn to respond without assistance.
Step 6: Practice the Full Trick
Combine everything: give your cue, make your hand motion, and wait for your dog to roll into the play dead position. Once they stay still, reward and celebrate! With regular practice, your dog will understand the trick completely.
Additional Training Tips for Success
Once your dog starts getting the hang of playing dead, it’s time to fine-tune their performance and keep the experience enjoyable for both of you. These extra tips will help you maintain consistency, boost confidence, and make every session feel like play—not work.
Keep Your Commands Consistent: Always use the same verbal cue and hand signal. Mixing them up may confuse your pup, slowing their progress.
End Every Session on a High Note: Even if progress feels slow, finish with praise, belly rubs, or their favorite squeaky toy. Positive endings keep your dog excited for the next session.
Take Breaks When Needed: If your dog gets frustrated or loses focus, pause and come back later. Remember, even professional trainers have off days—patience is part of the process.
Let Them Burn Energy First: A short walk or a game of fetch before training can help your dog focus better during lessons.
Keep Treats Handy Everywhere: Training doesn’t have to happen only at home. Keep treats in your bag or pocket—you never know when you’ll get the perfect opportunity to reinforce good behavior or show off your dog’s fun trick.
Change Up the Environment: Once your dog can play dead reliably, practice in new spots—your living room, yard, or park. This helps them learn that the cue means the same thing anywhere, not just in your training space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hardest trick to teach your dog?
Complex tricks that require multiple steps—like closing doors or fetching specific objects—can take longer to master. But with clear cues and consistent practice, any dog can learn them. Starting with simple, single-action commands like playing dead is a great way to build your dog’s confidence and prepare them for more advanced tricks later on.
How long does it take to teach a dog to play dead?
With daily practice, most dogs can learn the play dead trick in just a few sessions. Some may take a week or two to fully understand the play dead position and hold it consistently.
What is the “123 Method” for dogs?
The 123 Method helps manage focus and reduce excessive barking or excitement. You count “1, 2, 3,” rewarding your dog for staying calm until “3.” Over time, your dog learns to associate the count with staying still and attentive. It's a great complement to trick training.
Wrapping Up: Mastering the Play Dead Trick
Mastering the play dead trick isn’t just about showing off—it’s a great way to build patience, trust, and understanding between you and your pup. Stay positive, keep sessions short and consistent, and always celebrate small wins.
And when your dog needs a clean, accessible space for potty breaks between training sessions, Gotta Go Grass makes it easy. Our natural grass pee pads fit perfectly indoors or outdoors, giving your pet a fresh, familiar place to go when nature calls.
Give your dog the comfort and convenience they deserve—shop Gotta Go Grass online and bring a little patch of real grass home today.
