Teach Your Dog to Lay Down: A Guide for Pet Owners (2025)

When my French Bulldog, Milo, got too excited during playdates in our Texas backyard, teaching him to “lay down” helped calm him. My vet, Dr. Carter, guided me through luring techniques that made training fun. This guide blends my experience with Milo and Dr. Carter’s expertise to help dog owners teach the “lay down” command, whether in a New York apartment or a Texas suburb.

Why Teach “Lay Down”?

Dr. Carter explains that “lay down” calms excitable dogs, ensures safety (e.g., preventing jumping, per your prior humping query [1]), and builds a foundation for commands like “stay” [1]. It’s ideal for breeds like French Bulldogs (Milo) or Cane Corsos (Titan) [2].

Training Techniques

Dr. Carter recommends three methods, tailored to your dog’s needs:

1. Luring

Use a treat to guide your dog into position:

1. Start with your dog sitting (if possible) [1].
2. Hold a Kong treat near their nose, then lower it to the ground between their paws [2].
3. Slide the treat forward until they lie down fully [1].
4. Reward with the treat and praise immediately [2].
5. After 5–10 repetitions, use an empty hand as a signal, rewarding with a treat from your other hand [1].
6. Add the verbal cue “down” before the hand signal; phase out treats over weeks [2].

Milo learned to lie down in a week using this method [1].

2. Shaping

Reward incremental steps toward lying down:

1. Reward your dog for looking at the ground [1].
2. Reward bending elbows or lowering the chest [2].
3. Reward full lying down, adding the “down” cue [1].
4. Use a clicker (e.g., PetSafe Clicker) to mark correct steps [2].

This works for dogs needing gradual progress, Dr. Carter notes [1].

3. Capturing

Reward natural behavior:

1. When your dog lies down naturally, say “down” and reward with a treat or praise [1].
2. Repeat over days until they associate the cue with the action [2].
3. Add a hand signal (e.g., lowering your hand) for consistency [1].

Training Tips

Dr. Carter’s advice for success:

• Train When Tired: Practice after walks (30–60 minutes) when dogs like Milo are calmer [1].
• Keep Sessions Short: 5–10 minutes, 1–2 times daily, indoors or outdoors [2].
• Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward with Kong treats or praise; avoid pushing or yelling, as it causes resistance [1].
• Address Popping Up: Reward only when fully down to fix the “push-up problem” [2].
• Use a Release Word: Say “OK” to signal getting up, starting with 5-second holds [1].
• Add Distractions: Train in busier settings (e.g., parks) once mastered indoors [2].

For Dogs That Can’t Sit

Dr. Carter suggests for breeds like Greyhounds or short-legged dogs:

• Lure from a standing position, moving a treat to the ground until they lie down [1].
• Use a low platform (e.g., a PetSafe mat) to encourage stretching down [2].
• Reward immediately when their belly touches the ground [1].

Avoid forcing or using furniture like stools, which risks injury, especially for large breeds like Titan [2].

Breed-Specific Training Considerations

This table compares “lay down” training ease across breeds, based on veterinary data [1][2].

Note: Ease (1–10) reflects trainability; methods suit breed traits.

FAQs

• How do I teach my dog to lay down? Use luring, shaping, or capturing with treats and praise [1].
• What if my dog pops up? Reward only when fully down and use a release word [2].
• Can all dogs learn to lay down? Yes, with adjusted techniques for breeds that struggle to sit [1].

Key Takeaways

• Techniques: Lure, shape, or capture the “lay down” behavior.
• Tips: Train when tired, keep sessions short, and use positive reinforcement.
• Vet Advice: Consult Dr. Carter for persistent training challenges.
• Care: Reward with treats or praise for success.

Final Thoughts

Teaching Milo to “lay down” calmed his excitement, thanks to Dr. Carter’s luring tips. These steps work for any dog, from a lively French Bulldog like Milo to a strong Cane Corso like Titan. Shop Kong treats or PetSafe clickers at PetSmart or local pet stores, and consult your vet for tailored training advice!

References:

1. VCA Hospitals, “Dog Training and Behavior”.
2. Rover, “Teaching Dogs Basic Commands”.
3. ASPCA, “Pet Behavior and Training”.