How To Teach Your Dog To Lay Down

Getting your dog to lay down on command is important if you plan on taking your dog out to other peoples homes or if you simply want to have control over him in your own home.  When the dog is laying down, he's not running around knocking things over or eating leftover food off the table.

When teaching your dog to lay down, it's preferable to use a single word "down" for the command.  Single word commands are easier for your dog to understand then two word commands.  Of course, when you say the command you want to say it in a firm and clear voice and make sure it doesn't sound like any of the other commands that you use for the dog.

1.  Just like many of the commands, you want to start off with your dog in a sitting position so give the “sit” command and let your dog sit.

2.  Have your dogs favorite treating your hand and let him see it - then lower it down to the level of the floor right in front of the dog.  Your dog will naturally follow the treat down and maybe even lay down on his own.

3.  When you notice that your dog is about to lay down say the command "down".

4.  Once he completely lays down, give him the treat, pet him, and lavished with praise.

Of course, he might not actually lay all the way down at first so you might have to do some coercing to get him into the laying position before you give him the treat in the praise.

Just like any of the other commands, repetition is key so you want to keep trying to teach him the "down" command during your daily training sessions.