Training your dog to down

We’ve got the inside scoop on how to have your dog downing like a pro in no time.

Start with your dog on leash next to you and in a sitting position. Have a very tasty treat in one hand and the leash in the other. Bring the treat up to the dog’s nose and slowly bring it downward between his paws then outward away from him. The motion should look like an L shape. Be sure to do this slowly as you want your dog’s nose to follow the treat, too fast and he may loose interest.  Many dogs will simply lay down as you bring the treat away from them in the last part of the L shape motion. When this happens release the treat and reward him with it. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Once your dog is lying down reliably then you can start to add the “Down” command as you move the treat past his nose.

My dog won’t lie down, he just stands up.

Sometime this happens. Just place him back into a sit and try again. Only dog’s that lay down get rewards.  Dogs that stand up get put right back.

Under the Bridge

For dogs that don’t seem to be responding to the method above you can try the Bridge trick.

Start with your dog on leash next to you. Have a tasty treat in one hand and the leash in the other. Sit down next to your dog with one leg bent. Reach under your leg with the treat and show it to your dog, then drag the treat under your leg so your dog must crawl under it to get the treat. Be sure to bend your leg according to your dog’s height. You want him to have to lie down in order to get under, but don’t make the bridge too low or he may not even try. Once your dog is under the bridge release the treat and reward him with it then encourage him to come out the other side. Be sure to ONLY reward him when he’s laying down. Not after he’s crawled through.