How to teach a dog to lie down

 “Down” can be taught very similarly to “sit.”

1. You can wait for your dog to lie down (beginning in a boring, small room such as a bathroom can help)
2. Capture the behavior by reinforcing your dog with a treat when he lies down
3. Give him his release cue to stand back up (and encouragement with a lure if needed) and then waiting for him to lie down again.
4. When he is quickly lying down after standing up, you can begin saying “down” right before he does so.

You can also lure a down from a sit or stand.

1. Hold a treat in your hand to the dog’s nose and slowly bringing it to the floor.
2. Give the treat when the dog’s elbows touch the floor to start.
3. After a few practices, begin bringing your empty hand to the floor and giving the treat AFTER he lies down.
4. When he can reliably follow your hand signal, begin saying “down” as you move your hand.

Just like with sitting, never use force to put your dog into a down.

By: AKC