When I adopted my border collie mix, Bella, I knew she was smart. She could learn commands in a matter of days and had a knack for figuring out puzzle toys faster than any dog I’d ever met. But nothing prepared me for the day she performed a trick so good it went viral—and now people from all over the world are asking how I taught it to her.
How It All Started
It began on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I was scrolling through videos online and came across a clip of a dog dramatically “playing dead” when its owner pretended to shoot it with a finger gun. The dog would flop onto its side, paws sticking out stiffly, and stay perfectly still until the owner gave the release word.
It was funny, adorable, and impressive all at once. I looked over at Bella, who was stretched out on the floor, and thought, You could totally do that.
The First Steps
The trick, as I later learned, is called “Bang!” and it’s taught by pairing a verbal cue (usually “Bang!”) with a physical signal (a finger-gun gesture).
I started by having Bella lie down. From there, I gently guided her onto her side while saying, “Bang!” and making the finger gesture. Every time she stayed in position for even a couple of seconds, I rewarded her with a treat and praise.
At first, she was confused. She’d pop back up right away, thinking it was a game. But after a few sessions, she started to understand that staying down earned her more treats.
Adding Drama
Once Bella understood the basic motion, I began encouraging her to make it more theatrical. Each time I said “Bang!” in an exaggerated voice, I’d act shocked when she fell over, clapping and laughing. She quickly picked up that the bigger the “fall,” the bigger the reward.
Within a week, she was collapsing to the floor like a star in a soap opera—rolling onto her back, letting her tongue loll out, and staying perfectly still until I said “Okay!”
The Viral Moment
I decided to post a short clip of Bella performing the trick to my social media. In the video, I aimed my “finger gun” at her, shouted “Bang!” and she flopped onto her side with such drama that it looked like she was auditioning for a movie.
I expected a few likes from friends, but by the next morning, the video had thousands of shares. Within a week, it had over two million views. Comments poured in from around the world:
- “This dog deserves an Oscar!”
- “How do I teach my dog this?”
- “I’ve watched this 20 times and I’m still laughing.”
Teaching Your Own Dog
If you want to teach your dog the “Bang!” trick, here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start with “Lie Down” – Your dog should already be comfortable lying down on command.
- Guide Them to the Side – Use a treat to lure your dog onto their side. Say your cue (“Bang!”) as you make the motion.
- Reward Immediately – The moment they stay still, give a treat and lots of praise.
- Increase the Time – Gradually make them hold the position longer before rewarding.
- Add Distance – Once they understand, try giving the command from a few steps away.
- Encourage Flair – If your dog adds a dramatic flop or rolls onto their back, reward it extra.
Patience is key—some dogs pick it up in days, others in weeks. Keep sessions short and positive.
Why It’s More Than Just a Trick
Teaching Bella “Bang!” wasn’t just about showing off—it strengthened our bond. Training sessions are a form of mental exercise, and dogs thrive when they’re challenged. I noticed Bella was more attentive and eager to learn other commands after mastering this one.
Plus, the joy on people’s faces when they see her perform is priceless. She gets attention, treats, and applause—what’s not to love?
The Aftermath of Going Viral
Since the video blew up, Bella’s been “invited” (virtually) to perform on pet enthusiast pages and even got a small feature in a local newspaper. I’ve received messages from other dog owners who taught their pets the trick using my video as inspiration.
It’s amazing to think that something that started as a silly idea in my living room brought smiles to people across the world.
Final Thought
Sometimes the most unforgettable moments come from the simplest ideas. Give your dog the chance to show their personality, and they might just surprise you with a performance worthy of the spotlight.