How To Do Just About Everything
By
Ambyr,
eHow Member 
My happy Niko
I Did This Rate: (3 Ratings)
So you've taught Fido to sit. Now you're ready for Lay Down... but not quite sure how to progress.
Well this one's for you. There are a few quick and easy steps that will have your pup on the floor in no time.
Make sure that you have enough time to sit and work with your pet. You will needs about 20 to 45 minutes or so. Gather 5 to 10 small snacks for the pup (I use gummie bears for training only) and retire to a quite area in the house. It is important that there not be much distraction for your pet. Make sure your area is one where you will not be disturbed, has no loud noises or moving objects (to detour their attention).
Practice sit down for a few tries. Regardless if the dog is used to doing this trick, it is important to start the session off with something that they are familiar with, and since they will have to sit down to lie down, this starts the training precedence. Once the dog has executed the “sit down” command four or five times without flaw, give him/her a treat. You are now reinforcing the training expectations and rewards.
Now we are going to show the dog what lie down is. Tell Fido to sit. Show him/her the treat but do not allow them to take the treat just yet. In a calm, soothing voice, say “Lay Down” “Lie Down” or “Down”, whichever you plan on using in the future. It is important to use consistency with the commands, at least at first.
When you’ve said the command, take the treat and place it close or against the dog’s neck. The dog should bend it’s head inwards to try and get the snack. If not, you may need to regain his attention to the treat by repeating the command while you show him the treat and placing it on his neck.
Once you notice the dog turning her head downward, rub the treat down the neck, down the chest, and to the spot on the floor directly under the chest and between the feet. Your goal here is to have the dog’s head follow your movement with the treat.
Slowly, repeating your command, and with the treat on the floor, bring the treat out towards the front. Continue repeating your command slowly and calmly. If your dog does not try to follow the treat, you can move it around, or tap the floor next to it. Once you are sure the dog sees the treat again, place your hand behind the pup’s legs. Slowly, carefully, slide them out in front.
As you move the treat along the floor, the goal is to help the pooch lie down as his eyes follow the treat. As soon as Fido is in the laying position, give the treat.
Be sure that you are repeating “lay down” very often during the procedure. You will have to repeat this a few times so that the dog understands the correlation between the command and the action. Only treat the actual laying down.
After a bit of training, take a break. You will have to revisit this procedure a few more sessions to really get it into their heads. However, only one or two sessions needs to be in a quiet area. After that, you can have other members of the family participate if you choose, and you can start showing off Fido’s newest trick.
