Commando crawl for dogs: how to play
Your dog crawls along on their belly under a low bar or your legs. Hard work for the core and front legs.
- Time
- 5 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- treats
- chairs with a blanket over them, or your legs
Set up
Your dog must know a down. Use a carpet or a soft mat.
How to play
Ask for a down. Hold a treat on the floor just in front of their nose and slowly drag it forward.
Reward any forward shuffle that keeps the elbows down. If your dog stands, go back to a smaller pull.
Build up to a body length, then two.
Add a tunnel: crawl under a blanket draped over two chairs.
Add the cue "Crawl".
House rules
- Belly low, elbows down.
- Short distances.
- Make it easier
- Reward smaller movements, or crawl under your raised knees as you sit on the floor.
- Make it harder
- Longer crawls, or crawl under a line of chairs.
Signs it's having fun
Wiggly, determined forward shuffle; happy to try again.
Stop if you see
Standing up repeatedly, sore feet, or frustration.
Safety
Safety- Check with your vet before starting fitness work, especially for seniors, overweight dogs or dogs with joint problems.
- Skip for dogs with elbow or shoulder problems.
- Soft surface only.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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