Foundations · All levels

How to teach your dog to lie down

A reliable down settles an excited dog and is the start of stay, place and relaxation.

By Pawfessor Editorial TeamUpdated

An owner teaching a dog down
  • LevelAll levels
  • Reps per session5–7
  • You needTreats

A reliable down settles an excited dog and is the base for stay, place and relaxing in busy places.

Before you start

  • A quiet room with no distractions
  • Small, soft treats they love (or their own food)

Step by step

Teaching down, step by step
  1. Start from a sit

Frequently asked questions

Why won't my dog lie down?

Some dogs find lying down vulnerable, especially on cold or slippery floors. Try a soft mat, mark the first small movement down and be patient.

Should I use down for getting off the sofa?

Use a different word, like off. Keep down for lying down so the cue stays clear.

Pawfessor programs for this

More commands

Foundations

Marker word

A marker word tells your dog the exact moment they got it right. It's the foundation every other command is built on.

Foundations

Name recognition

Their name should mean "look at me, something good is coming". It's how you get attention before any other cue.

Foundations

Sit

Sit is the "please" of the dog world: a calm default that replaces jumping, pulling and snatching.