Teaching your dog to lie down is a useful obedience command that can come in handy in a variety of situations. It’s also a relatively simple command to teach, with just a few steps required to get your dog comfortable and proficient at lying down on command. To begin training your dog to lie down, start by finding a quiet, distraction-free space. Have a few treats handy and get your dog’s attention by calling their name or using a clicker. Once they are looking at you, hold a treat close to their nose and slowly move it down towards the ground, guiding their head down as they follow the treat. As their front legs begin to lower to the ground, say the command “lie down” in a firm yet reassuring tone. When their chest and belly are fully on the ground, give them the treat and lots of praise. It’s important to remember to always use the same command and tone when training your dog to lie down, as consistency is key in helping them understand what you want. Practice this exercise a few times a day for a week or two, gradually increasing the length of time your dog stays in the down position before giving them a treat. With patience and practice, your dog will soon be lying down on command like a pro!
