Simple Steps to Train a Puppy to Lie Down

Why is it important to learn how to train a puppy to lie down? Dogs naturally use specific postures to signal their intent, and puppies are no exception. Understanding your puppy's body language is beneficial for effective communication.

Dogs communicate as much through body language as with whines, barks, or growls. Calming signals such as yawning, averting their eyes, nose-licking, and assuming a down position help them reduce tension in themselves and others.

Lying down signals to other dogs that he's not a threat and helps him relieve stress, relax, and focus. Placing your puppy in certain postures can improve his attitude. A dog in a down position signals to others that he's calm and non-threatening.

Lying down helps your puppy calm down. It's an excellent relaxation exercise for an overexcited puppy and a positive way to practice self-control. The down command prevents jumping on visitors, pestering the cat, or chasing kids, making him a more welcome presence.

There are several techniques to teach your puppy to lie down on command. Here's how to use lure training.

Lure Training

1. Show your puppy his training reward, such as a favorite toy or small pieces of a strong-smelling treat. Ensure he only receives these rewards during training to increase his eagerness to interact.

2. Place your puppy in a “sit” position. Once he’s in a comfortable seated position and paying attention to you, give the command, “down.”

3. Hold his reward in front of his nose and lower it toward the ground and slightly ahead of him, encouraging him to follow. For small pups, use an elevated surface like a coffee table and lower the treat/toy just below table level. Use the reward to guide him into walking his front legs forward until he's in a down position. Ensure his nose stays in touch with your fingers and the treat throughout the process.

4. Once he’s in position, give him the reward. Praise!

5. Practice the command and behavior several times, so he understands the concept. Generally, it’s best to train in several short sessions of 10 minutes or so throughout the day, instead of one long marathon session that wears the pup out. Quit while he’s still interested. You want the puppy to be eager for the next session, and not dread training. It should be fun for you both.

6. Remember that pups learn by making mistakes, so a mistake is just a chance for a do-over. End with success! Praise along with the treat or toy, and throw a puppy party to celebrate how smart he is.

7. After he’s learned to “down” from a sitting position, practice having him “down” from a standing start.

Clicker Training

With clicker training, the puppy trains himself almost by accident. Basically, the sound of the click signals the puppy that the behavior (in this instance, lying down) is what you want, and you reward the puppy with a treat or toy. When you’ve already taught him to “sit” on command using the clicker, he’ll know to offer you different behaviors to see if he can turn you into a treat machine. Instead of luring, pushing, or positioning the puppy, you wait for him to assume the position on his own. Here’s how.

1. Have treats and clicker ready, and watch your puppy until he assumes the “down” position on his own. Click at the exact moment he goes down, and then reward the behavior with his favorite treat or toy.

2. When this is the pup’s first experience with a clicker, it may take him several minutes to accidentally assume the position again. Repeat the click and reward. Don’t offer any other verbal encouragement or guidance, you want the puppy brain to percolate on its own and process the cause-and-effect of his actions and getting the treat.

3. If the puppy already understands through previous training that the click signals he’s performed what you want, he won’t take nearly as long to repeat the “down” when he connects the dots. Once he’s “got it,” you can begin using the command “down” at the same moment you click. Your pup will very soon associate the action with the word.

4. Add in a hand signal with your verbal “down” command. Choose something that won’t be confused with any other and use that same signal with consistency. For instance, you could hold your hand horizontally (palm down) toward the pup and make a downward sweeping gesture as you say “down.” Click and reward when he complies. Used with consistency your puppy will learn to respond to the verbal and/or silent hand signal command. What a smart baby dog!

Once your puppy understands and complies with the “down” command, you’ll have a new tool for controlling those rambunctious puppy moments. That helps him be a polite family member and a welcome guest in other homes. You’ll get all kinds of praise and admiration for being a great trainer of a genius puppy.