How to teach your dog to lay down: A simple step-by-step guide.
Summary: Learn how to teach your dog to lay down with this step-by-step guide. Build on the 'sit' command, use effective luring techniques, and master attention-focused training. Discover tips for success, troubleshooting common issues, and strengthening your bond with your dog.
Teaching your dog to lay down is an essential command that builds on the foundations of "sit." It’s practical for keeping your dog calm, focused, and safe in various situations. It also fosters trust and strengthens your bond, as your dog learns to follow your guidance.
Why Teach "Lay Down"?
Helps your dog relax and stay calm, even in busy or overwhelming environments.
A useful command for when you need them to stay in one place, such as at cafes, on public transport, or during vet visits.
Enhances focus and impulse control, which are vital for advanced training.
Strengthens the trust and communication between you and your dog.
What You’ll Need
Treats: Small, high-value treats like cooked chicken, cheese, or specialised dog treats.
Quiet space: Begin in a low-distraction area, ensuring there’s no noise, other pets, or small children.
Patience: As with all training, repetition and slow and steady progress is key.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Build on the "sit" command
Before teaching "lay down," ensure your dog can sit on cue consistently. The "sit" position provides a stable starting point for the "lay down" movement. They are learning that focusing on you is a good thing. In addition, we are always working with the dog’s natural range of motion, everything we do is easy and comfortable for your pet.
I prefer to teach basic groundwork without a lead as I am teaching the dog to think for themselves, to use their body to follow my voice. I do not want to use external force or pressure. They choose to do it.
2. Get your dog’s attention
Training is most effective when your dog is fully engaged. Use the two-eyes technique, just as you did with the "sit" command.
Postion yourself first. Stand or kneel squarely in front of your dog, with their eyes on you. They should be looking up. Be intentional with your posture and energy.
Get eye contact: Bring the treat up to your face, moving slowly to guide their gaze to your eyes. When both eyes are on you, praise them softly “Good focus”. If your dog is distracted, take a moment to redirect them gently to have two eyes on you. Avoid frustration—training is about building a positive connection.
Use a treat to guide their focus, always ensuring both eyes are on you before you proceed. We are connecting with both hemispheres of their brain to make a deep connection between our command and their response.
3. Use a treat to lure the movement
Begin with your dog in a sitting position.
Hold a treat close to their nose in a closed hand and very slowly lower your hand straight down to the floor.
As your dog begins to follow the treat into the down position, start saying “down” as you guide them. Say it calmly and repeatedly during the motion of going into and keeping the down position.
As their nose follows the treat, they should naturally lower their chest to the ground. We are using their natural motion.
If needed, slowly slide the treat slightly forward along the floor to encourage their entire body to lie down, legs in front focus on you.
4. Mark the behaviour and reinforce
As soon as your dog’s elbows and belly touch the ground, mark the behaviour with praise, like “Good down.”
Reward immediately with the treat, and heat pets, reinforcing the connection between the action and the reward. We are working with all the dog’s senses and demonstrating that following your guidance is always a positive experience.
Repeat.
5. Add a hand signal
Pair the verbal cue with a hand signal, such as an open palm moving downward.
Over time, your dog will associate the signal with the command, making it easier to communicate without words. Hand signals are excellent for noisy environments, for where you need quiet such as on a video call or with a sleeping baby, or for wide open spaces where you don’t want to be shouting at your dog at the park or beach.
7. Gradual Progression and Proofing
Practise in different environments with increasing distractions, like the backyard or a park.
Reward your dog for successfully following the command in new settings.
Tips for Success
Be patient: Some dogs may take longer to feel comfortable with this position, as lying down is a vulnerable posture.
Go slow: If your dog seems confused, slow down the motion and break it into smaller steps.
Use high-value treats: Choose rewards that your dog finds irresistible to maintain focus. Don’t use those treats for any activity other than training.
Short sessions: Keep training sessions brief, around 5–10 minutes, to avoid fatigue. For young dogs 2-5 minutes at a time is perfect.
Aviod confusing the command “down” with sleep or belly rubs: You are teaching your dog to think and move their body in a specific way, in trust, to your command. It may be a command that saves their life. You want your dog to be in the down position with elbows forward, two-eyes focused on you, the trainer. Don’t move into belly rubs with the down command that is a different activity. Similarly, don’t confuse the dog in a sleepy or resting on side position with a “down” command.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dog won’t lie down: Ensure they’re comfortable with the environment, that the ground is even and safe, and try using a more enticing treat. Lower your hand slower or closer to their body to guide them. Check that there isn’t something in their eyeline on the floor or under the couch/table/tree that they want to avoid or has their interest.
Dog pops back up: Avoid rewarding until they hold the position for a second or two. Gradually increase the duration as they improve. Direct your own energy down, use your posture.
Dog gets distracted: Use the two-eyes focus technique to re-engage their attention. Minimise distractions in the environment. Work out the times of day that they are most suitable for your dog, and observe when they are most attentive and calm.
Celebrate Progress
Teaching your dog to lay down is not just a command—it’s an opportunity to build trust and mutual understanding. By staying patient, breaking the process into clear steps, and celebrating each small success, you’ll create a positive and rewarding training experience.
Your calm and consistent approach will not only teach your dog to lay down but also strengthen the bond between you.
