Military Style: How to Teach Your Dog the ‘Army Crawl’ Trick

Before you and your pup enlist in this training mission, it’s best to gather your supplies. Having everything ready ensures a smooth, positive, and effective session. The goal is to make this as easy as possible for your dog to understand what you’re asking. Here’s your basic training kit:

• High-Value Treats: We’re talking top-tier goodies here! Think small, soft, and extra smelly treats like tiny pieces of chicken, cheese, or commercial training treats that your dog absolutely loves. The crawl is a physically demanding trick, so the reward needs to be worth the effort.
• A Comfortable Surface: Ask yourself, would you want to crawl on a hard, cold floor? Probably not. Choose a soft surface like a carpeted area, a rug, or a grassy lawn. This will make it much more comfortable for your dog to slide around on their belly.
• A Clicker (Optional but Recommended): A clicker is a fantastic tool for marking the exact moment your dog does something right. This precision helps your dog learn faster. If you’re not using a clicker, you can use a consistent verbal marker like a sharp “Yes!”.
• Patience and a Positive Attitude: This is the most crucial piece of equipment! Every dog learns at a different pace. Stay upbeat, keep it fun, and celebrate the small wins. Your positive energy is contagious and will keep your dog engaged and eager to learn.

Alright, soldier, it’s time for basic training! We’re going to break this down into small, manageable steps. Remember to keep your training sessions short—about 5-10 minutes at a time is perfect to keep your dog from getting tired or frustrated.

Step 1: Start with a Solid ‘Down’

Your dog needs to be in a ‘down’ or ‘lay’ position to start. If they don’t have a reliable ‘down’ command yet, work on that first. Once your dog is lying down comfortably, you’re ready to proceed.

Step 2: Lure Them Forward

This is where the magic begins. Get down on the floor at your dog’s level. Hold a tasty treat in your hand, close it into a fist, and let your dog sniff it. Once they’re interested, slowly drag the treat along the floor, just out of their nose’s reach. The goal is to encourage them to shift their weight and pull themselves forward with their front paws to get the treat, even if it’s just an inch. The moment they move forward at all while staying down, click (or say “Yes!”) and give them the treat. Repeat this several times.

Expert Tip: Keep your lure hand low! If you lift it up, your dog is likely to stand up to get the treat. We want to reinforce staying low to the ground.

Step 3: Build a Little Distance

Once your dog understands the game of shuffling forward, start luring them for a slightly longer distance—a few inches, then a foot. Reward them for crawling a short distance. You can also try placing the treat on the floor a little way in front of them and encouraging them to crawl to it.

Step 4: Introduce the Verbal Cue

When your dog is reliably crawling forward with the lure, you can start adding a verbal cue. Just before you begin to lure them, say your chosen command clearly, like “Crawl,” “Army Crawl,” or “Tunnel.” After a few repetitions, your dog will begin to associate the word with the action.

Step 5: Fade the Lure

The final step is to phase out the hand lure. Start by making your hand motion smaller and less obvious. Eventually, you’ll be able to just use the verbal cue. You can also transition from a hand lure to simply pointing along the floor. This takes time, so be patient and go back a step if your dog gets confused.

Even the best recruits run into challenges. It’s completely normal! Here are some common issues and how to navigate them without losing morale.

• Problem: My dog keeps standing up!
  This is the most common issue. It usually means your treat lure is too high. Make sure your hand is literally dragging along the floor. You can also try practicing under something, like your leg stretched out or a low coffee table (ensure it’s safe!), which physically prevents them from standing up.
• Problem: My dog isn’t moving forward, just stretching its neck.
  Your pup is trying to find the easiest way to get the reward! Try placing the treat a tiny bit further away so they have to shift their body weight to reach it. Reward any forward motion, even just a slight weight shift at first.
• Problem: My dog seems frustrated or bored.
  This is a clear signal to end the session on a positive note. Ask for a simple trick they know well (like ‘sit’), reward them enthusiastically, and try again later or the next day. Keeping sessions short and fun is key to preventing burnout.
• Problem: My dog is crawling, but their back end is sticking way up in the air.
  This is often just part of the learning process as they figure out how to use their body. Don’t worry about perfect form at the beginning. As they get more practice and build the right muscles, their form will naturally improve. You can gently place a hand on their lower back to encourage them to keep it down, but don’t force it.

Once your dog has mastered the basic army crawl on command, you can make it even more fun and challenging. These advanced steps will really show off your dog’s skills and intelligence!

Increase the Distance and Duration

Gradually start asking your dog to crawl for longer distances. Can they crawl all the way across the living room? Or down a hallway? This builds stamina and focus. Remember to reward them generously for these bigger efforts.

Create an Obstacle Course

Now for the really fun stuff! Set up a simple obstacle course. Have them crawl under a chair, through a play tunnel for kids, or under a blanket draped between two cushions. This turns the trick into an exciting and engaging game. Always ensure the obstacles are safe and that your dog is comfortable with them.

Add Turns and Directions

Can you get your dog to crawl and then turn to the left or right? Use your hand lure to guide them in a new direction while they are in the crawl position. This is an excellent test of their focus and your communication skills.

Remember Safety: Always supervise your dog during advanced training, especially with obstacles. The goal is to build confidence, not create fear. Keep it positive and let your dog’s comfort level be your guide.