Best Way to Train Your Dog to Lie Down

“Down” is a tricky command to teach because it asks the dog to assume a submissive posture. Because most puppies and preadolescents do this easily and naturally, even rolling onto their backs for a belly rub, youth is the easiest time to teach this command. Once a dog is an adolescent, and in that how larger than life am I frame of mind, or an adult, it is more difficult, at first, to get an amiable response when teaching “Down.” But because it is a submissive posture, and because having your dog lie down on command is a clear, benign reminder that you, not he, are top dog, you really need to teach it.

Here are some tips before you begin.

• Teach “Down” slowly, working a minute or two at a time. Don’t keep pressing your dog. Don’t rush the teaching.
• Teach “Down” indoors with no other dogs present. Your male will feel he’s losing face to assume a submissive posture in front of another male dog, even if it’s your own. Once he knows the command, you can use it as you need it.
• Most important, until your dog lies down on command with­out a fuss, do these lessons after his exercise, preferably when he’s pooped. Cheating? Smart!

If your pet is still a pup, ask him to sit, pat the floor in front of him with one hand, then scoop up his front legs, lifting them a little higher than you would have to in order to bring them forward, then bring them forward, slowly, and place them back on the floor. Work on a carpet. Speak gently. Encourage your dog to roll over for a belly rub. This makes the “Down” command appealing and benign.

Some young dogs will learn this easily. Others won’t. If yours won’t, try a toy as a lure. With your dog on a “Sit/stay,” pat the floor, saying “Down,” and bring the toy in an L pattern, straight down in front of him, then along the floor, stopping where his paws will be when he lies down to get it.