How to train your dog to lie down

Once your dog has mastered 'sit', it's time to teach them to lie down. This is a useful thing to get your dog to do when you want them to settle on the floor, either at home or when you're out and about.

Teach your dog to lie down in six easy steps

With your dog in a sitting position and a treat in your hand, move your hand from your dog's nose towards their chest, then straight down towards the floor.
Your dog should follow the treat into a lying down position. Praise and reward them with the treat immediately.
Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.
When your dog is easily following the treat into a down position, you can start to say the word 'down' just as your dog is getting into the down position.
Practice this a number of times in short but regular sessions.
While your dog is lying down, give him treats - this will increase the time he spends lying down.

Extra tip

Practice often and in different places. Once your dog is happily lying down on command in your home, start to practice in more distracting environments, like the garden or your local park.