by Kerlain Kate

Created on: October 28, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

Dog's skill to lie down is very useful. This exercise can be taught when dog is learned command "Sit!". You can teach your dog to lie under the command in three ways: through the treats, pressing its ridge down and pulling front legs forward and pulling the lead. Method can be chosen by the individual characteristics of a dog or the predominant reaction.

First Method

Attach a short lead to the dog and stand him next to your left leg. Then half-turn to him and take a lead near the collar with your left hand. Then lean over and give him to sniff the delicacy with your right hand. At the same time, command "Down!". Slowly raise hand down and move to front. When the dog lies down, give him treats and pat. Let him to lie down for 10-15 seconds and then let him to run around a little. If the dog is trying to stand, repeat the command "Down!" and softly push the ridge down. Your intonation must sound seriously.

Second Method

Dog stands at your left leg. Half-turn to him and place your left hand on its ridge, softly grasp his front legs with your right hand. Then command "Down!" and softly pull its front legs. It forces the dog to lie down. If the dog is trying to stand, repeat the command "Down!" and softly push its ridge down. Your intonation must sound seriously.

Third Method

Dog stands at your left leg. Half turn to him. Take your right hand for his lead 15-20 cm from the collar. Place your left hand on the ridge. Command "Down!", gently push the ridge down and pull a lead downward and forward at the same time with other hand. If the dog is trying to sit, repeat the command "Down!", softly push its ridge down and pull the lead forward. Let him to lie down for 10-15 seconds, then give him treats and let him run around a little.


Try to teach your dog to lie down under the gesture at the same time. Seat your dog 1-2 opposite you, holding a lead on the left hand and take a look back to the dog. Stretch your right hand forward to shoulder height and raise it down. Command "Down!". Your dog shouldn't change its position to another. The dog must learn to lie from any position and stay 15 meters from the trainer for 5 minutes.

Possible Trainer Mistakes

1) Too sudden twitching lead and too long lying time in the beginning.

2) Dog pressure to lie down on the wet ground in the beginning.

3) Giving treats on inappropriate time.

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