Teach Your Dog to Lie Down (3-Step Guide)

Key Takeaways

• What is "down"? A command where your dog lies down and stays calm — useful in tons of everyday situations.
• Why is "down" important? It gives you more control and keeps things safe, whether you're at a restaurant or riding public transit.
• 3-step guide: Lure with a treat and give the command. Release with a cue word. Add a hand signal. Then level up with advanced "down" exercises.
• Common problems: Distractions, confusion, fear, or low motivation can all make training tricky.

What Is "Down"?

"Down" is a command that tells your dog to lie down and stay put. It's super useful because it gives your dog a sense of security and calm. It signals that nothing exciting is happening right now — for example, when you're hanging out at a cafe or have guests over.

Why "Down" Is So Important

Your dog needs to be able to lie down on command and stay there — like when the doorbell rings and you want to greet your visitor calmly, or when you're at a restaurant and your dog should chill under the table while you enjoy your meal. It's also a lifesaver on public transit when your dog can settle down quietly. And if you're out and your dog is off-leash, a solid "down!" from a distance can stop them in their tracks before they dart toward a road or a cyclist.

Teaching your dog "down" takes a little prep work, but once they've got it, you'll both feel a lot more confident out in the world. And with a few simple tricks, it's easier than you think.

3-Step Guide to "Down"

Here's a simple step-by-step guide plus some tips to get results fast.

1. Lure with a Treat — Lying down from a sit is easier for dogs than from a stand, so it helps if your dog already knows "sit." Hold a treat right in front of your dog's nose. Once they lock onto it, slowly bring it toward their body and guide them into a lying position. Say "down" at the same time. Go slowly — your dog will follow the treat with their head, stretching their muzzle to reach it. Eventually, they'll plop down. That's your moment — react fast! Release the treat, let them eat it, and give them tons of praise.

2. Release Properly Your dog will probably want to pop right back up. But you need them to stay down for as long as you say. To encourage them to hold the position, offer a second or even third treat. This stretches out their time on the ground. Then release your dog with an "okay" or "free." Play with them so they know they're free to move around again. With each repetition, you can gradually extend how long they stay down.

3. Add a Hand Signal — You can also pair the "down" command with a hand signal. After some practice, your dog will lie down on the hand signal alone — no words needed. Point the flat hand that isn't holding the treat toward the ground while clearly saying "down." Your dog will quickly connect the hand signal with the verbal cue. Timing matters here! Reward your dog with a treat the instant they lie down.

Advanced "Down"

1. Repetition: Run through this command several times until your dog lies down on cue without needing the lure. Don't forget to reward them every time they nail it.

2. Increase the distance: Once your dog has it down (pun intended), start adding distance. Give the "down" command while stepping one or two paces away. Reward them when they get it right.

3. Add distractions: When your dog reliably follows the command at a distance, start throwing in distractions. Try giving the command in a noisy spot or while other dogs are playing nearby. This is an advanced exercise that builds rock-solid reliability.

4. Increase the duration: Finally, stretch out how long your dog stays down after the command. Start with a few seconds and slowly build up. Reward your dog for holding the position until you release them.

This takes patience and consistency, but over time your dog will follow the "down" command even in tough situations. You've got this!

Alternative Exercises

Clicker Training: This method uses a clicker — a small device that makes a distinct clicking sound. Click every time your dog shows the behavior you want (in this case, lying down), then give an immediate reward. Over time, your dog learns that the click means "great job!"

Shaping: With shaping, you build the behavior step by step. First, reward your dog for small moves in the right direction — like sitting, then starting to lower their body, and finally lying all the way down.

Capturing: With this method, you simply wait until your dog lies down on their own, then immediately reward them. Once they're lying down regularly, you can start adding the word "down."

Leg Bridge: If your dog just won't lie down after several tries, make a "bridge" with your leg and guide them underneath it. This encourages them to lie down naturally. Don't push your dog down — the tunnel should just make them realize there's not enough room to stand. As soon as their chest and belly touch the ground, say your cue word "down."

Try different methods to figure out which one clicks with your dog. Remember, patience and consistency are the keys to success. Every dog learns at their own pace, so celebrate every bit of progress. Prefer a more visual approach? Our app offers step-by-step video tutorials to help you teach your dog the "down" command. Learn more about our app here.

Dog Won't Lie Down: 5 Reasons and Solutions

Your dog just won't lie down? That can be frustrating for both of you. But don't worry — you're not alone! Here are the most common reasons and how to fix them.

They don't understand: Your dog might simply not get what you're asking. If that's the case, slow down and go back a step. Be careful not to overwhelm them. Just like people, every dog learns at their own pace.

Too many distractions: Kids running through the living room, the neighbor's dog barking, lunch cooking on the stove? Smells, sounds, and chaotic movement can wreck your dog's focus. Train in a calm, familiar spot and make sure your dog is rested — not thirsty or hungry.

Physical discomfort: If the floor is too hard, cold, or hot, your dog might not want to lie down. This is especially common with older dogs whose bones and joints are more sensitive. Check the floor temperature with your hand and put down a mat or thin cushion if needed. Carpet works great too.

Fear or anxiety: When lying down, we're all more vulnerable and not ready to react quickly. For your dog to willingly put themselves in that position, they need to trust you and feel safe. Create a calm environment, move gently, and project calm energy so your dog knows everything's fine. If your dog is generally anxious, consider working with a professional trainer to get to the root of it.

Low motivation: Your boss gives you a bonus for every big deal you close? You get tons of compliments rocking your new outfit? When our actions lead to positive outcomes, we repeat them. Same goes for your dog. The best motivator? Positive reinforcement. Reward your dog when they do the right thing instead of punishing them when they don't. Use treats, toys, or affection — experiment to find out what gets your dog most excited.

Relaxed "Down" vs. Tense "Down"

Your dog's body language tells you a lot about how they're feeling. Here's how to spot the difference:

Relaxed "Down":

• Your dog lies on their side or back — very chill positions that show they feel safe and comfortable.
• Their muscles are loose and their body looks relaxed.
• Their tail is still or wagging slowly.
• Their eyes are half-closed or they're blinking slowly. They might even doze off!
• Their ears sit in a neutral, relaxed position — not pinned back or pricked forward.

Tense "Down":

• Your dog lies on their belly with paws tucked under, ready to spring up at any moment.
• Their muscles are tight and their body looks stiff.
• Their tail is tucked between their legs or flicking jerkily.
• Their eyes are wide open and they may be staring hard at something. You might see the whites of their eyes — often called "whale eye."
• Their ears are pinned back or rigidly pointed forward.
• Heavy or frequent panting, often a sign of stress or anxiety.

Keep in mind that body language varies from dog to dog. What looks relaxed in one dog might look tense in another. That's why it's so important to observe your dog closely and learn their individual signals. If you notice your dog seems tense while lying down, try changing the situation to help them relax.

Teaching a Puppy to Lie Down

Puppies learn the same way adult dogs do, but there are a few differences to keep in mind. Puppies tend to have shorter attention spans and get distracted more easily. Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and upbeat.

Always be patient and positive. Puppies are still little and learning, so don't expect perfection right away. Focus on making training a fun, rewarding experience for your pup.

How Do I Teach My Dog the "Down" Command?

Have your dog sit, then show them a treat. Give the command and slowly guide the treat toward the ground and forward. Your dog will follow with their nose and lie down. Reward them with the treat. Check out the detailed guide above for the full breakdown.

What's the Best Way to Practice Basic Commands?

Make sure your dog is relaxed but not overtired. Train several times a day in short sessions of just a few minutes. Pick a spot without distractions from other people or dogs. Speak clearly and use body language. Don't forget to praise your dog and reward them with toys or treats. Avoid leaving your dog in one position for too long, especially on wet, cold ground or hot pavement. Above all, training should be fun!

How Do I Teach My Dog to Stay Lying Down When I Walk Away?

Once your dog is comfortable holding the position while you stand right next to them, start slowly moving away. Take one step back, then immediately return to praise and reward them. Gradually increase the distance, and keep praising and rewarding them for staying put.

What Verbal Cue Should I Use for the "Down" Command?

The cue you pick often comes down to personal preference. In the US, "down" is the most common choice, though some trainers prefer "lie down" or "drop." Pick a cue that sounds distinct from your other commands so your dog doesn't get confused. If you think "sit" and "down" might sound too similar, swap in a different word. The most important thing? Stick with whatever cue you choose and use it consistently. Don't bounce between different words — that'll just confuse your dog. How you say it matters too. Use a calm, clear tone and avoid shouting or making it sound like a question. No matter which word you go with, patience, practice, and consistency will get you there.

Should I Train Verbal or Visual Cues First?

Whether you start with a verbal or visual cue depends on your preference and your dog's personality. Some dogs respond better to visual signals, others to voice commands. That said, it's most common to teach the verbal cue first and then layer on the hand signal.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog the "down" command pays off in countless everyday situations. With a little practice and patience, your dog will learn it quickly and happily settle down on cue. Whether you want to chat with a neighbor, grab an ice cream, or ride the train together, "down" gives you control — and your dog knows exactly what to do.

A few final tips:

• Consistency matters, but never force your dog to lie down. They learn best through play!
• Train several times a day in short sessions — practice makes perfect!
• Subtract training treats from your dog's daily food portion.
• Always end training on a positive note.