“Down” is a very common dog training command and most people will teach it to their dog right away. It’s a valuable skill that every dog can learn, and it can be used to communicate what you want your dog to do in many different situations. Surprisingly, a lot of dogs have a hard time with this one. Here’s how to teach a dog to lie down, including some tips for a dog that is struggling or a little hesitant to learn the command.
Get the Behavior
Start with your dog in a “sit” position.
Hold a training treat in your hand close to your dog’s nose. Very slowly, lower your hand towards the floor, staying close to your dog’s chest and allowing your dog to lick the treat. As your hand reaches the floor between your dog’s front paws, slowly move your hand forward. When your dog’s belly touches the ground, say “yes!” and reward them with the treat.
If your dog is hesitant, slowly progress through the following steps, rewarding your dog each time he:
- Lowers his head
- Stretches out his leg or paws at the treat
- Stretches out both legs
- Touches his belly to the floor
Repeat each step a few times before moving on to the next. If your dog “pops up,” simply return to a sit position and start again, moving very slowly. Avoid using your hands or the leash to physically pressure your dog into lying down, as this can make your dog uncomfortable with this position and possibly even afraid of your hands.
Repeat four times. To move your dog from a “down” position simply throw a treat to the side so they get up and then repeat the above steps.
Add the Command ‘Down’
Next, start with your dog in a sitting position and say “down” just before you make the same hand movement (hand close to your dog’s nose, then slowly down towards the floor, between the front paws). When your dog’s belly hits the floor, give them praise and reward them with a treat.
Repeat four times.
Move the Treat to the Other Hand
Again, start with your dog in a sitting position and say “down” just before you make the same hand movement as above (hand close to your dog’s nose, then slowly down towards the floor, between the front paws). This time however, the treat will not be in your signaling hand. When your dog’s belly hits the floor, say “yes” and reward them with a treat from the other hand.
Repeat four times.
Modify the Hand Signal
As you practice, gradually stand in a more upright position, and modify your hand signal so your hand makes a pushing motion (palm down) towards the floor.
Get the Behavior with the Command or Signal
Finally, to get your dog to go “down” with just the word, start with your dog in a sitting position, say the word “down” and wait to see what happens. If your dog doesn’t do the behavior after 10 to 15 seconds of waiting, use your hand signal without repeating the word to help your dog get into the “down” position. Say “yes” and give them a treat, then try again with just the vocal cue.
To get them to go down for the hand signal only, have your dog focus on you and then use just the hand signal and wait as above. If they don’t do it after several seconds, go back to using the word just before the hand signal to separate the two.
Practice alternating between a verbal cue and a hand signal until your dog is proficient with each.
How to Use the ‘Down’ Command
- When guests come to the door: nothing is more annoying than going to a friend’s or family’s house and having their dog jump all over you as soon as you walk in the door. Most people don’t like having dogs paw all over them, but this is even worse if you are a young child or scared of dogs. Instead of allowing your dog to jump on people, ask them for a “down” when guests arrive.
- While you eat dinner: some dogs love to beg and some are very good at it, but not everybody loves having a dog’s head in their lap as they are trying to enjoy their meal. Instead of allowing your dog to beg, give them a special place they can go to during meals. This place can be a mat on the floor, a bed in the room, a crate or anything. Have your dog lie down and then give them something to work on, like a Kong stuffed with their favorite filling. This encourages them to stay “down” instead of annoying you and your dinner guests.
- During car rides. Many dogs love going on car rides, but it is unsafe for a dog to be walking around the car. It can be a distraction for the driver and, should there be an accident, the dog could get thrown from the car. Teaching your dog “down” in the car encourages relaxed behavior habits on car rides. A safety restraint or dog seat belt is also recommended for car rides. You can also use “down” to make sure your dog exits the car safely with their leash on.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.