How to Teach a Puppy To Lie Down On Command

Dogs who will lie down on command are nice to have in the home because they will not beg at the table or will not bother you when you are busy if they are on a "down-stay"

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a dog who already knows the "sit" command
• treats for the dog

1. put the dog into a "sit"

2. hold a treat directly in front of the dog's nose, in your closed fist

3. tell the dog to "down"

4. drop the treat down slowly directly between the dog's front paws

5. draw the treat out straight out in front of the dog's paws on the floor

6. let the dog have the treat as soon as it's body is down completely on the floor

Tips & Warnings

• If the dog's butt comes up into the air, you are not dropping the treat STRAIGHT DOWN and dragging it straight out in front of the dog, try again...
• do not use a questioning tone of voice when you say "down", use a commanding tone of voice
• if the dog's butt comes up into the air push it gently down
• do not give the treat unless the dog's whole body is on the floor
• never push down on the dog's BACK, rather "tuck" the butt down onto the floor if necessary

Resources

• Down Command
• Training Show Dogs
• Training Dogs