How to Train Your Dog to Lie Down from Standing

First the good news: your dog already knows how to lie down. In fact, he probably does it all the time. Now the bad news: this may be one of the more challenging commands for your dog to learn, but with patience and a large supply of his favorite treats, you can overcome the challenge. 

Dogs who know how to lie down on command are far more welcome in public places and can be a lot more enjoyable to have at home. One thing to keep in mind, especially when you have a high-energy dog, it takes far more energy to stand up from the down position and most dogs will remain lying down on their own once they learn the command. 

The command most people use to teach their dog to lie down is simply one word, "down" or depending on the situation "Go lie down". However, the latter is used mostly at home to get the dog to go somewhere else before he lies down. The most important thing to remember is that you are not just teaching your dog to lie down, you are teaching him a vital skill that will keep him out of trouble and out of the way of other people he is around. It is also a good command for him to know when you take him out in public places such as outdoor cafés and parks.

Teaching your dog to lie down from standing can be more difficult than teaching 'down' from a sitting position, when your dog is more likely to be focused and somewhat relaxed already. It can take several months of regular training sessions before your dog obeys the command every time you give it. 

The big thing here is perseverance. Of all the things your dog needs to learn, being told to lie down is probably going to be one of his least favorite as it locks him in place until he is told to get up. While most dogs spend a large portion of their lives lying down, most don't really like being told they have to--in much the same way as a child doesn't want to be told to go take a nap. You can, of course, teach any age dog to do this, but the younger you start the faster your pup will learn. 

Much like any other command you are trying to teach your pup to obey, you need a nice quiet and distraction-free area to work in at first. This way your dog's attention is focused on you and the commands you are giving and nothing else. The presence of other people or animals may be the most common distractions, but even "background noise" can make it tough to focus, like street traffic, the sound of children playing, lawn mowers, and the list goes on. Try to choose a time of day when it is quiet and start training indoors rather than outside as there is likely to be fewer distractions. As with any other command you are trying to teach your pup, always use a firm "no nonsense" voice to ensure he knows you mean business and expect him to comply. Be ready with plenty of praise and have a large supply of his favorite treats to reward your dog when he gets it right.