How To Teach a Puppy to Lie Down, by Ethan McMahon Dog Training on YouTube. 2 min 10 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 10 s
- Time to do it
- 10 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Start with the puppy standing or sitting in front of you in a quiet room. Keep a handful of pea-sized treats in one hand.
Hold a treat close to the puppy's nose so it can smell it, then slowly move your hand down toward the floor.
Slide your hand along the floor slightly away from the puppy. Its elbows should bend and its chest should drop as it follows the treat.
The moment the puppy's belly touches the floor, say yes and give the treat. Keep the mark word short and consistent.
Release the puppy with a word like okay so it can get up. Repeat five to ten times, then take a short break.
Once the puppy lies down most tries, add a hand signal. Move your empty hand down in the same path before you reward.
Only after the movement is reliable, say the word down once, just before the puppy lies down. Do not repeat the word.
Practice in short sessions of one or two minutes, a few times a day, and slowly add small distractions like a toy on the floor.
Tips and common mistakes
Say the cue word only once, and only when the puppy is already likely to lie down, so it does not learn to ignore it.
Keep treats tiny so the puppy stays interested and does not get full during a session.
If the puppy jumps up or walks away, make the hand movement slower and closer to its nose.
End every session on a success, even if that means going back to an easier step.
Questions
How long does it take a puppy to learn down?
Most puppies pick up the movement in a few short sessions over several days. Adding the word reliably can take a week or two of daily practice.
What if my puppy will not follow the treat to the floor?
Try a softer, smellier treat and move your hand more slowly. You can also practice right before a meal when the puppy is hungry.
Should I push my puppy into a down position?
No. Luring lets the puppy choose the movement, which makes learning faster and keeps training positive.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
