How to Teach a Dog to Lay Down

“Lie down” is one of the basic tricks to teach your dog and an especially helpful one when you want your dog to calm down and stay out of trouble. You can learn how to teach your dog to lie down with the help of our detailed guide. Teaching this behavior to your dog gets easier when they can sit on command. 

So, if you are wondering, "How to train a dog to lay down?" read on because the article covers the three main methods and tips for success, and troubleshooting common problems to help you get through the training process smoothly. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching "Lay Down"

Preparing for Training 

Before training your dog to lay down, ensure you are prepared for successful training sessions.

Choose the right environment

When you start the training to lay down, dogs may feel vulnerable, so choose an environment with low distraction because animals learn best in familiar, less distracting, and less stressful surroundings. 

Gather necessary supplies

Some essentials you must gather before beginning the training include:

• Dog treats - cut into small pieces

• A soft bath mat or towel to lie down (if needed)

• A training clicker (if you are opting for clicker training)

Step 1: The Lure Method 

How to Use a Treat to Guide the Dog Into a Lying Position

In this method of “How to teach a dog to lay down,” what you are doing is luring your pup into a lying position with their favorite treat or toy. But how do you do that? You only need to follow some simple steps, and you can teach them to lie down on command. 

• Hold a treat close to your dog’s nose when they are in a sitting position.

• Then, take the treat down between their front paws. Ideally, they will lower their head to get the treat.

• Keep moving the treat to the ground away from your dog; they should lie down following the treat. 

• When your dog goes into a lying position, click and praise. Then, quickly offer the lure as a reward. 

• Repeat the process several times and then shift the treat to the other hand. Now, lure your dog with an empty hand and offer the treat from the other hand. This way, you can teach them a hand signal and eliminate the lure. 

Tips for Effective Luring and Timing

If you are new to training your dog in basic commands, here are some tips to help you lure your pup successfully. 

• Use a high-value treat to lure your dog, the one they get excited about and would work for. 

• You can also use a clicker to tell your dog exactly when they have done something right. 

• According to the American Kennel Club, it is important to fade the lure so the dog learns to respond to the hand signal. 

Step 2: The Capture Method

How to Capture and Reward the Behavior When It Occurs Naturally

You can even capture your dog’s lying position with a reward when they do it without asking. What you can do is always have a treat or toy with you, and when you capture a laying down dog doing it on their own, click and say ‘good dog’ or anything to praise them. Then, give them their reward while they are in a lying position. It informs them that they have done something right. 

Now, when you have captured sufficient downs, you will see your dog lying down in front of you on purpose to get those yummy treats. At this point, adding a hand signal or verbal cue right before they lay down will help your canine friend connect your gesture or word with this behavior. And in no time, your dog will follow your command at any time. 

Tips for Increasing the Frequency of the Behavior

It is essential to praise and reward them while they are still lying down rather than when they sit up again so that your dog clearly understands that they are being rewarded for lying down. Also, make sure you are offering them high-value or their favorite treats. 

Step 3: The Verbal Command 

Introduce the Verbal Cue Once the Behavior Is Consistent

When your dog is easily following your empty hand to lie down, and you get the behavior without offering treats, you are ready to introduce a verbal cue like “Lie down.” Give your dog the command by saying, “Lie down,” wait for a second, and then give the hand signal. Now, the moment your dog lies down, praise abundantly and reward them with treats. Continue practicing the behavior with the verbal cue several times. 

Tips for Pairing the Verbal Command With the Action

• Immediately reward your dog with treats when they lie down on the verbal command, which will help reinforce the desired behavior.

• Chances are your dog may better understand a hand signal, so after a second of saying a verbal cue, give them a hand signal so they know what you want them to do. 

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Dog Refuses to Lay Down 

If your dog refuses to lie down, there is a reason. Figure out why they are not lying down, it could be one or more of these reasons:

• The surface is uncomfortable - they may want a soft surface to lie down such as a blanket. 

• Your dog needs more practice or may not be able to comprehend that it applies everywhere. 

• They may not feel comfortable lying down in a busy, crowded place - your pup may lie down in a quiet and secluded environment. 

• They may have joint pain.

Dog Lays Down Too Slowly 

If your dog is reluctant to lie down or lays down too slowly, it could be due to joint pain, injury, or any other medical condition. In this case, you must get them checked with a vet. 

Dealing With Distractions 

When you start teaching your dog to lie down, begin with a place with fewer or no distractions and then slowly add the distractions to help them deal with distractions better. 

Reinforcing and Generalizing the Command 

Practice in Different Environments 

Once your dog starts responding to the cue perfectly, you can begin practicing in different environments, such as in your backyard or front lawn. This helps in dealing with distractions. 

Using the Command in Daily Life 

To reinforce and normalize the command, start using it regularly. Randomly give the command to lie down your dog should follow, and when they obey, praise and offer treats.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog to lie down requires patience and consistency. According to PetMD, it’s better to avoid using force or intimidation and plan to train them when they are tired. Also, when you switch to a new environment, ensure they respond eight out of ten times.