Here are some simple tips for teaching your puppy to lie down.
Steps
Step 1. First of all it can be an advantage for the puppy to have already learned the Sit command
If not, try to teach him and, after successful, come back to read this article.
Step 2. Order your puppy to sit down
Show him a delicious treat as you give him the command to get his attention.
Step 3. Put your hand on the ground
While the puppy is focused on you, slowly slide your hand towards the ground (holding the treat between your fingers).
Step 4. Tell Him Lie Down
There could be two outcomes: the puppy may stay upright and start fidgeting to get to the tidbit, or he may lie down, staying focused on your fingers.
Step 5. If he lies down, reward him by stroking him and giving him food
If not, repeat this until he is lying down.
Step 6. Sooner or later the puppy should understand what you are trying to do and should learn to lie down on command to be rewarded
Step 7. Repeat the training several times
If he is obedient, the puppy should learn to do the movement to make you happy.
Step 8. Once the puppy has learned the command, you can stop using the food
In any case, continue to praise him every time he obeys, with a cuddle or a caress.
Advice
- Train your puppy in a distraction-free area so that his attention is focused only on you.
- Use food that you don't usually give him, so that it represents a sweet tooth for him.
- Do not scold the puppy if he does not learn right away: he is not a human being and you cannot expect him to understand your words!
- If the puppy refuses to lie down even after a few tries, put him in position yourself and say "Lie down".
- Don't be impatient. Some dogs take longer to learn than others.
- Use other commands you have already learned before training, so that you can warm up a little (but don't overdo it so as not to tire it).
