Teaching your dog to crawl is a fun and impressive trick that also reinforces obedience, body awareness, and focus. It’s a great way to bond with your dog while mentally and physically engaging them in a new challenge. Let’s get started!

Why Teach Your Dog to Crawl?

Crawling builds focus and coordination

When your dog learns to crawl, they are developing precise muscle control and balance. It also forces them to listen closely to your instructions. This makes it a great mental and physical workout, especially for dogs who already know how to lie down and stay.

It’s useful for building body awareness

Some dogs are naturally clumsy, especially larger breeds or younger pups. Crawling helps them gain a better understanding of where their body is in space. It can also be helpful for agility training later on.

How to teach your dog to crawl in 6 steps

1. Start by having your dog lie down on a soft surface like a rug or mat.
2. Hold a treat near their nose, just low enough that they stay lying down but want to follow it.
3. Slowly drag the treat forward along the ground. When your dog moves even an inch while staying down, praise and reward.
4. Repeat this, gradually increasing the distance. Keep your hand low so they don’t stand up.
5. Add the verbal cue “Crawl” just as they start to move forward.
6. Practice in short, fun sessions and end with something they already know to keep confidence high.

These steps will help teach your dog to crawl, but it’s important to recognize that a refusal or hesitation to follow through can be linked to deeper issues such as discomfort with movement, poor focus, lack of motivation, or even stress around performing new actions.

And until any behavioral problems are addressed directly at their root, you’ll continue to have trouble in other areas.

“Okay, so how do I do that then?”

By developing your dog’s intelligence, that’s how! When they get the mental stimulation they desperately need in a loving, fun, and instructional way, all their behavioral problems start to disappear fast.

To make this happen, you’ll play 21 “brain” games created by Adrienne, a CPDT-KA certified dog trainer whose work has been featured in USA Today and Every Dog magazine. See her amazing results in this video with a dog named Maggie (scroll down).

Adrienne’s training games will end bad behavior while also teaching your dog to sit, lie down, stay, heel, drop, and walk calmly by your side. It’s simple, and it will be an absolute blast for you both. She explains exactly how her system works here, go take a look!

Common Challenges When Teaching the Crawl Trick

Your dog stands up instead of crawling

This usually means your hand is too high when luring them. Try holding the treat lower and closer to their nose. If they continue to stand up, go back to rewarding for just staying down and moving forward a little at a time.

They don’t seem interested in following the treat

Use high-value treats that your dog is excited about. You can also practice just after a walk or before mealtime when they’re more motivated to work for food.

Your dog crawls only a short distance

That is completely normal at first. Most dogs need to build up the strength and confidence to crawl more than a few inches. Keep sessions short and always reward effort. Over time, you can increase the distance gradually.

How to Keep Your Dog Motivated

End on a win

Always wrap up training with a trick your dog already knows. This helps them end the session feeling confident and successful, which makes them more excited for the next training session.

Use varied rewards

Try using a mix of food treats, praise, and play. Some dogs get bored with the same treat over and over. Switching things up keeps them guessing and helps maintain enthusiasm.

Keep your tone upbeat

Your dog picks up on your energy. Use an encouraging voice and body language. Smile, praise them warmly, and make each training session feel like a game rather than a test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all dogs learn to crawl?

Most dogs can learn to crawl, but it may take longer for some based on their size, build, or temperament. Very large dogs or those with joint issues may need a modified approach or softer surface to practice on.

At what age can I start teaching my dog to crawl?

You can start once your dog has mastered basic commands like “Down” and “Stay“. Puppies as young as four or five months can begin learning, but keep sessions short and always use positive reinforcement.

Should I be worried if my dog refuses to crawl?

If your dog seems physically uncomfortable or avoids trying, stop and assess. They may have sore joints or be nervous about the motion. In that case, try other tricks or consult a vet if the behavior is unusual.

Conclusion

With patience, encouragement, and the right techniques, teaching your dog to crawl can be a fun and rewarding experience for both of you. It adds variety to your training routine and builds even more trust between you and your dog. Good luck, and have fun!

P.S. Don’t forget to pin this before you go!