How to Teach a Dog to Lay Down on Command

Laying down on command is one of the basic commands for dogs, and one that's necessary to help your dog become a well-trained animal. In order to teach your dog "down" on command, he should first know how to sit on command. From a "sit" it's fairly easy to teach a dog "down." Even fairly young pups can pick this up.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog Small, soft dog treats

1. Put your dog in a sit.

2. Place a treat between your thumb and index finger.

3. Hold your hand in front of your dog's nose and then slowly move it down and out toward the floor in an "L" shape. Your dog should follow the treat to the floor.

4. When your dog is in a down position, say "good," give the dog the treat, and then give her lots of praise.

5. After your dog successfully performs down a few times, add the verbal "down" command as you direct the dog to the floor.

6. Slowly begin to phase out the treat and move your hand up from the floor. Eventually your dog will perform a down when you simply point at the floor.