Obedience training
How do you teach a dog to lie down?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Start from a sit, hold a treat at nose level, then lower it straight down to the floor between the front paws so the dog's head follows and the chest lowers into a down. If the dog's rear stays up in a play bow instead of settling, draw the treat slightly forward along the floor rather than straight down. Mark the moment the elbows touch the ground and reward, running eight to ten reps before attaching the word "down".
Guiding the treat to the floor, not just down
Moving the treat straight down often leaves the rear end sticking up in a stretch or play bow, since the dog's front end drops but the hips do not follow. Sliding the treat forward along the ground once it reaches the floor, almost like drawing a small L shape, tends to pull the whole body down evenly.
Rewarding the elbows, not the head
Watch specifically for both elbows touching the floor rather than just a lowered head, since some dogs will duck their neck without actually lying down. Marking too early, based on head position alone, tends to reinforce a half crouch that never turns into a real down.
Handling dogs that resist lying down
Some dogs, especially larger or more anxious ones, are reluctant to lie down in open or unfamiliar spaces because it is a more vulnerable position than sitting. Practicing first on a comfortable mat or dog bed in a familiar room, then gradually moving to new locations over a week or two, usually resolves this faster than forcing the position in a place the dog is not relaxed.
Key takeaways
- Slide the treat forward along the floor once it reaches the ground to pull the hips down.
- Reward the moment both elbows touch the floor, not just a lowered head.
- A dog reluctant to lie down may feel exposed; start on a familiar bed or mat.
- Attach the word "down" only after the physical motion is reliable from luring alone.