How to Teach Your Dog to Lie Down on Cue

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

A solid down is one of the most useful cues in any dog's repertoire. It is the basis for long stays, calm waiting at cafes and settling at home. It is also a vulnerable position for dogs, so some need a little more confidence before they offer it.

Before you start

Choose a quiet place with a soft surface, such as a rug, because dogs dislike lying on cold, slippery floors. Have small, tasty treats ready, and make sure your dog already knows how to sit.

Method 1: luring

1. Start from a sit. Hold a treat at your dog's nose.
2. Move the treat straight down between the front paws, slowly, to the floor.
3. Draw it forward slightly along the floor, if needed, to encourage the front legs to stretch out.
4. Mark and reward the moment your dog's elbows touch the floor. See marker words in dog training.
5. Release and repeat.

Keep the lure close. If your dog stands up, go back to a sit and reward smaller steps, such as lowering the head, then one elbow, then both.

Method 2: capturing

Wait for your dog to lie down on their own, and mark and reward it. This works well with dogs who naturally settle, and it creates relaxed, calm downs. Reward in position, and gradually tie the cue to the behavior. See lure, capture and shaping explained.

Method 3: shaping

Reward small steps towards lying down: a glance down, a bend of the elbows, a fully down position. This suits dogs who are worried about lures or who learn well through trial and error.

Add the cue

When the movement is fluent, say "down" once before you lure. Fade the lure into a downward hand signal. Reward from a pouch rather than the hand that makes the signal. See dog training hand signals guide.

Troubleshooting

• Your dog pops up straight away. Reward faster, within a second of the elbows touching the ground.
• Your dog scoots forward. Keep the lure close to the chest, and reward before your dog moves.
• Your dog refuses. Use a softer surface, a lower-value treat or a less distracting spot.
• Your dog is wary. Try shaping, or sit on the floor beside your dog to make it less looming.

Never force it

Pushing a dog into a down can cause fear and resistance, and may make them avoid the position altogether.

Build duration and distance

Gradually increase the time between the down and the reward, a second at a time. See how to teach a dog to stay. Then add distractions and distance.

Down versus settle

A down cue means lie down. A settle cue means relax and stay relaxed. They are linked but distinct. See how to teach a dog to settle.

Practical uses

Down on a mat while you eat, at the vet's office, on walks when you stop to chat. See how to teach a dog to settle in cafes and public places.

Older and arthritic dogs

Dogs with joint pain may find lying down uncomfortable. Check with your vet, use a thick mat and keep sessions short.

The takeaway

Lure, capture or shape, reward the elbows touching the floor and build up gradually. A calm, confident down opens the door to much more.