Show IntroductionSit, stay, and lay down are three of the most basic commands in the world of dog training. So it may surprise you that some pooches have never got these standard tricks down. “Lay down” can be especially magical, as it has the power to flatten a rambunctious pupper in milliseconds. But if you've opened your home to an older canine who was never taught this staple, your life might get a bit frustrating. Top Defining TasksIn general, “lay down” is a pretty simple concept for a dog to learn. That being said, some mature canines are exceptionally stubborn. You may need to be a bit more persistent with an old pooch. Some puppies-at-heart will be able to catch on to this command in no time, while others may put up some resistance. The goal is to be able to get your doggo to lay still on his belly for as long as you need him there. This command can be great for keeping your mutt calm when people arrive at your home. It can also be a safety measure, convincing a dog to stay out of harm's way. Top Getting StartedTeaching your old boy or gal to lay down isn't too complicated. To be successful, you might want to have:
Please, please double check with your vet before coaxing your pooch to lie down. Some older dogs suffer from ailments that prevent this basic movement. It would be cruel to force an aged fur buddy to learn a truck that really hurts them. Below are some of the most effective methods for teaching any dog to lay down. Remember, older dogs may need a bit more convincing, and gentler handling so as to not aggravate aches and pains. Top Download Article Download Article Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? If you want a well-mannered dog, teaching him to lie down is a must. Teaching your dog to lie down can help you control him and his impulses in general, and can increase your bond with your dog.
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Advertisement ReferencesAbout This ArticleArticle SummaryX To teach your dog to lie down, all you need are some treats and a little bit of time on your hands. First, stand in front of your dog and ask it to sit. Then, hold a treat close enough to your dog's nose that it can smell it, and slowly lower the treat to the floor so your dog has to lie down to get it. Once your dog lies down, give it the treat and lots of praise to reinforce the behavior. If your dog tries to sit or stand back up at any point, start over from the beginning. Once your dog lies down successfully, add a command, like "down." As you're lowering the treat to the floor, say the command. Repeat this process for a few days, then gradually phase the treats out by not giving one to your dog every time. Keep doing this until you're no longer using treats and your dog responds to the command each time you say it. For tips from our veterinary reviewer on getting the dog to lie down without the treat, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 333,184 times. Reader Success Stories
Did this article help you?How do I teach my dog to lay down and relax?Have treats with you or stashed around the house, so you can catch and reward your dog for sitting, lying down, resting on his mat, or other calm behaviors. If you reward a behavior you like, your dog will repeat it. If you reward a behavior you don't like, even inadvertently, your dog will repeat it.
How long does it take to teach a dog to lay down?A:Most dogs will learn to lie down on a verbal cue within three to ten training sessions of around 10 minutes each. But every dog is different, and some won't quite figure out what you want for much longer than that—and that's OK. Take your time, exercise your patience, and stay positive with your dog!
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