How to Train a Dog to Lie Down on an Agility Table

Training a dog to immediately lie down on the agility table is the most efficient method for speed during competition. The table is a pause obstacle, where the dog must jump onto it and either sit or lie down for a count of five seconds. Many dogs get annoyed by having to wait on course because they would rather be doing the speed obstacles, but with lots of treats and praise you can make it a rewarding exercise.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anything a dog can easily jump onto
• Treats
• Clicker
• Toy

How to Train a Dog to Lie Down on an Agility Table

1. Use anything that can be a substitute for an agility table and is approximately the same height your dog will encounter on an agility course. Depending on the size of your dog, this will be anywhere from eight to twenty four inches high. Although the table top dimensions are three feet square, your dog can successfully be taught using a bed, ottoman, couch or even a low deck.

2. Encourage your dog to jump onto the "table" using whatever method works. This can be treats, toys, or just lots of praise. If you are using a clicker, click for the action of jumping up, and reward profusely for holding position. Initially, reward the dog for simply getting on the table. Pair the action of jumping up on the table with a command - TABLE, BENCH, or whatever you choose. Just be consistent with both the command and the reward.

3. Ask your dog to lie down on the table once he is happily and willingly getting up onto it. Again, use whatever method you need to to encourage him to lie down. Be very enthusiastic and happy when he does. Give him treats in succession by placing them between his chest and between his legs as this will encourage him to hold the position. The faster he lies down, the more enthusiastic your reward should be.

4. Raise your criteria as he progresses. Stop rewarding for slow downs and request fast, fluid downs. At this point stop verbally telling him to lie down. You want him to start offering the behavior very quickly and automatically at this point. Only praise and reward for what you want.

5. Increase your dog's drive to leap onto the table. Hold his collar to restrain him while saying, are you ready to go TABLE? Ready, ready, ready? Get him all excited about doing it. You want him to be pulling towards the table, eager to jump up and get his reward. Let him go and give him big praise for jumping onto it and lying down quickly.

6. Introduce a release word. Once your dog is jumping up quickly and automatically lying down, ask him to hold the position and only move off on your word. Use BREAK or OK or whatever your usual release word is. At first, just a second or two is fine. Gradually work up to releasing him on the count of five.

7. Make being released fun. Use a tug or squeaky toy, or food rewards, for his compliance. Have your dog jump off the table to you and play a quick game with him.

8. Start teaching him to sit up from a down. This can be practiced anywhere, and you might want to use a different command than your normal SIT. To a dog, SIT means to lower his butt from a standing position. Dogs are very literal in their thinking! Now you want him to sit up from a down position, so come up with a different word for that. Start introducing the sitting up from a down while on the table before releasing him.

Tips & Warnings

• When using a clicker, remember to click for action and reward for position.
• Build speed and enthusiasm into very short training sessions, so your dog regards it as a fun, fast game.
• Choose a "table" with a non-skid surface. As your dog gains speed, you want him to have a sure foothold and not slide right off the table.

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