How to Teach Your Dog to Lay Down

Teaching your dog to lay down is more than just a basic command; it's a cornerstone of obedience. This skill is invaluable in real-life situations, allowing your dog to relax for extended periods, whether you're at a restaurant, visiting friends, waiting at the vet's office, or simply enjoying a day at the park. A well-trained dog that can lay down on command not only showcases discipline but also ensures a harmonious coexistence in various social settings.

Step 1: Have Your Dog Sit With Luring

Preparation: Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools:

• Treat Pouch: Fill it with appealing treats, such as boiled chicken shredded into small pieces or tiny bits of carrot.
• Training Clicker: This tool will help you mark the exact moment of the desired behavior.
• Leash: Essential for later steps, especially when adding distance.

Let your dog sniff the treat in your hand and gently lift the treat above their head. As their nose follows the treat, their rear should naturally settle to the ground. Once they sit, click with your training clicker and reward them.

Step 2: Lure to Down Position

• With your dog in the sitting position, hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it down towards the ground and then outwards, in front of them. Your dog should follow the treat and lay down.
• As soon as they lay down, click with your training clicker and give them the treat.

Step 3: Reduce Hand Gesture

• Begin to make your hand motion less pronounced over time. Instead of a full movement towards the ground, reduce the gesture incrementally until it’s just a small wrist movement.
• Each time they respond correctly to the reduced gesture and lay down, mark the moment with a click and then treat.

Step 4: Add Verbal Cue: "Down"

• Once your dog consistently lays down with the reduced hand gesture, pair the gesture with the verbal command "Down."
• Over time, start to phase out the hand gesture, placing more emphasis on the verbal cue "Down."
• Always remember to click and reward promptly.

Step 5: Add Duration and Distance

• Using a leash, step back after giving the "Down" cue. Reward your dog for staying in the down position as you increase the distance between you two. Gradually increase the duration of the down command to bulletproof your dog’s obedience in real-life situations.

Step 6: Add Distractions

• Begin the training in a quiet environment. Once your dog has mastered the "Down" command in this setting, slowly introduce distractions such as toys, other pets, or sounds.
• If they maintain the down position amidst these distractions, click and treat.

Final Thoughts

Training is a continuous journey that requires patience, consistency, and a positive approach. With the right tools and the steps mentioned above, you'll soon have a dog that lays down on command, reinforcing the bond between you two with each training session. Celebrate every achievement, and always remember that each dog learns at their unique pace. Happy training!