Teaching Your Dog to Lay Down
The command ‘down’ is a part of the basic commands. Coupled with the ‘stay’ command, this helps maintain your dog’s behavior. This posture is more settled than sitting. Moreover, your pooch is less likely to pop-up from a down position.
Dogs naturally lie down when they are tired. They may even prefer to lay down close to you as a form of guarding. Even so, this is a command worth teaching.
Getting Started
Sitting on command is a critical first step. If King has not mastered ‘sit,’ then do not attempt the ‘down’ cue. Remember, dogs watch your moves as well as hear your words. Canines are actually more responsive to body language.
If you prefer King to lay down in a specific spot, then a nice new mat will help facilitate your session. With treats in hand, you are ready to proceed.
Much like the ‘sit’ cue, ‘down’ is similar. You might begin in a dull, small space, like a bathroom. This may encourage King to lay down. You then reinforce the behavior with a treat when lying down and using your release command, such as a ‘let’s go’ to stand back up. If needed, use a lure to encourage King to stand up.
Subsequently, as King lies down, begin stating your command ‘down’ and add a hand gesture to indicate your desire. Coupled together, the word and gesture make it easy for King to understand.
Alternatively, you can use a lure to move from sitting or stand to down. Hold a treat in your hand to King’s nose and slowly bring it to the floor. Initially, give the snack when King’s elbows touch the ground.
With a few practices, begin bringing your empty hand to the floor, giving the treat after he is down. When King reliably follows your hand signal, start to say ‘down’ as you move your hand.
Never physically force your pup into a down position. As with sit, this will scare some dogs and erode the trust.
Things to Remember
Your training sessions should last 5 to 10 minutes and be fun. End every training session on a positive note. It is crucial to evaluate the value of the rewards. Simplify the steps you take to ensure they are learned thoroughly.
Training your dog is not a race but rather a marathon to your long-term relationship. When you have succeeded in mastering the basic commands of leash walking, sit, stay, come, and down, your connection will be on firmer paws. Happy training.