How to Teach a Dog to Lay Down: Step-by-Step Guide

Teaching your dog to lay down is one of the most useful commands you can train them to learn. Whether you’re looking to calm an energetic pup, prepare them for a service dog role, or simply want better control during everyday situations, the “lay down” command is a game-changer. It’s a foundational skill that builds confidence in both you and your furry friend, and the best part? Most dogs can learn it with patience, consistency, and the right approach.

The “lay down” command goes beyond basic obedience—it’s about creating a deeper bond with your dog while teaching them impulse control. When your dog understands this command, you’ll have a powerful tool for managing their behavior in various situations, from vet visits to family gatherings. Unlike some tricks that are purely for entertainment, laying down is a practical command that serves real-world purposes in your daily life.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about teaching your dog to lay down, from preparation and prerequisites to troubleshooting common challenges. Whether you have a stubborn adult dog or an eager puppy, you’ll find strategies that work for your unique situation.

Preparation and Prerequisites

Before you begin teaching your dog to lay down, it’s important to set yourself up for success. The foundation you create during the preparation phase will directly impact how quickly your dog learns and how well they retain the command. Start by assessing your dog’s current training level and choosing an appropriate environment.

Choose the Right Location

Select a quiet, distraction-free space where your dog can focus entirely on you. This might be a living room, bedroom, or a quiet corner of your yard. Avoid areas with other pets, toys, or activities that might divert your dog’s attention. Once your dog has mastered the command in a low-distraction environment, you can gradually practice in busier settings. Many dog owners find that crate training an adult dog alongside lay down training creates a well-rounded foundation for obedience.

Gather Supplies

You’ll need high-value treats—small, soft, and incredibly appealing to your dog. Think chicken, cheese, or freeze-dried liver rather than hard biscuits. You’ll also want a comfortable mat or blanket where your dog practices, as this helps them associate laying down with a specific area. A clicker (optional but helpful) can mark the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior. Some trainers also recommend having a harness available, and if you’re not familiar with proper fitting, learning how to put a harness on a dog ensures comfort during training sessions.

Understand Prerequisites

Your dog should already know the “sit” command before learning to lay down, as this gives them a starting position. If your dog hasn’t mastered “sit” yet, spend a few weeks on that foundation first. Additionally, your dog should be comfortable taking treats from your hand and responding to your voice. These basic trust elements make the learning process exponentially smoother.

Step-by-Step Training Guide

Step 1: Start with Sit

Begin each training session by having your dog sit in front of you. This is your starting position for every lay down training attempt. Use a calm, encouraging voice and reward them for sitting. This consistency helps your dog understand that laying down is the next logical step after sitting. Keep initial sessions to 5-10 minutes to maintain your dog’s enthusiasm and focus.

Step 2: Lure with Treats

Hold a high-value treat close to your dog’s nose, then slowly move it downward and slightly toward their chest. The goal is to create a natural motion that encourages your dog to follow the treat with their nose while their front legs gradually lower to the ground. Move slowly—rushing this motion often results in your dog jumping or losing interest. As their elbows touch the ground, immediately say “lay down” in a clear, consistent voice, then reward generously.

Step 3: Mark the Behavior

If you’re using a clicker, click the moment your dog’s elbows touch the ground, then immediately give a treat. This timing is crucial because it tells your dog exactly which behavior earned the reward. If you’re not using a clicker, use a marker word like “yes!” with the same timing. This precision helps dogs learn faster than delayed rewards.

Step 4: Repeat and Reinforce

Practice this sequence 10-15 times per session, several times daily if possible. Consistency is more important than duration. Your dog will start anticipating the treat lure and may begin lowering themselves more quickly. Over several days or weeks (depending on your dog’s learning speed), you’ll notice they’re offering the behavior more readily. Among the cleverest dogs, this process might take just days, while other breeds may need several weeks.

Step 5: Reduce the Lure

Once your dog is consistently following the treat lure and laying down, begin gradually reducing how far down you move the treat. Eventually, you’ll just point downward or use a hand signal instead of luring with the treat. This transition teaches your dog to respond to your gesture rather than just the food motivation. Still reward them with treats from your other hand, but the visual lure becomes less necessary.

Effective Training Techniques

The Capturing Method

Some trainers prefer the “capturing” technique, where you observe your dog naturally laying down during their day and immediately reward that behavior with treats and praise. Over time, your dog associates laying down with positive outcomes, and you can add the verbal cue. This method works well for dogs who are already comfortable laying down but need to learn the command association.

The Shaping Method

Shaping involves rewarding small steps toward the final behavior. You might reward your dog for lowering their front legs just slightly, then gradually require them to go lower before earning the reward. This method is excellent for dogs who seem confused or resistant to the traditional luring technique. It breaks the command into manageable micro-steps that reduce frustration.

Using Positive Reinforcement

The most effective training uses positive reinforcement—rewarding the behavior you want to see more of. Never force your dog into a lay down position or use punishment-based methods, as this creates anxiety around the command and damages your relationship. Instead, make laying down the most rewarding thing your dog can do in that moment. Research from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior confirms that reward-based training produces better results than aversive methods.

Variable Reward Schedules

Once your dog reliably knows the command, switch from rewarding every single lay down to rewarding randomly. This is called a variable ratio schedule, and it actually strengthens the behavior more than consistent rewards. Your dog will work harder because they never know which lay down will earn the jackpot reward. This technique is particularly useful for maintaining long-term obedience.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Dog Won’t Lower Front Legs

If your dog sits but won’t follow the treat lure downward, try these adjustments: move the treat more slowly, use an even higher-value treat, or practice on a softer surface like carpet or grass instead of hard flooring. Some dogs find hard surfaces uncomfortable for their joints. You might also try positioning yourself differently—some dogs respond better when you lure from the side rather than directly in front.

Dog Keeps Jumping Up

Jumping indicates your dog is too excited or hasn’t fully grasped the concept yet. Reduce the duration of lay down practice—ask for just a one-second lay down followed by immediate reward and release. Gradually increase the duration over many sessions. Also ensure you’re practicing in a lower-distraction environment, and consider whether your dog needs more exercise before training sessions to burn off excess energy.

Dog Gets Bored or Loses Interest

Switch up your training location, use different treats, or practice at different times of day. If your dog seems unmotivated, they might not be hungry enough to value food rewards. Try training before meals rather than after, or use non-food rewards like toys or play. This approach aligns well with addressing other behavioral challenges—if you’re also working on stopping a dog from digging, varied training sessions keep your dog mentally engaged throughout the day.

Dog Only Lays Down for Treats

This is actually a common and solvable issue. It means your dog understands the command but hasn’t yet grasped that they should obey without immediate food rewards visible. Practice the command sometimes with treats visible and sometimes without. Use random rewards as mentioned earlier. Also practice in different contexts—after walks, during play breaks, at different times—so your dog understands the command applies everywhere, not just during dedicated training sessions.

Advanced Tips and Variations

Adding Duration

Once your dog reliably lays down on command, gradually increase how long they stay down before receiving the reward. Start with just one or two seconds, then slowly extend to 10, 30, or even 60 seconds. This teaches impulse control and creates a truly useful command for real-world situations. Use a release word like “okay” or “free” to clearly indicate when your dog can get up.

Distance and Distraction

Practice the lay down command from different distances and in increasingly distracting environments. Start close, then gradually move farther away. Practice in your backyard, then at a park, then during walks. Each new environment presents challenges, so be prepared to use higher-value treats and shorter sessions in new locations. This progression builds a robust command that works reliably in any situation.

Hand Signals

Add a hand signal—commonly a downward pointing gesture or lowering your arm. Practice the hand signal alongside your verbal cue, then gradually fade the verbal component so your dog responds to the gesture alone. This is particularly useful in noisy environments or if you ever need to communicate silently with your dog. Many handlers find this essential when training a dog as a service dog, where reliable non-verbal communication is critical.

Combining Commands

Chain the lay down command with other behaviors. For example, practice “sit, lay down, stay,” then reward. This creates a sequence that demonstrates advanced obedience and keeps your dog mentally stimulated. These combinations are particularly engaging for dogs who seem bored by simple individual commands.

Environmental Cues

Introduce your dog to laying down on specific items like mats or blankets. The presence of the mat becomes a cue that it’s time to lay down. This is incredibly useful for creating designated rest areas in your home. Some dogs even anticipate laying down when they see the mat brought out, making training even easier. This technique parallels the principles used in crate training an adult dog, where specific spaces trigger desired behaviors.

Addressing Breed-Specific Challenges

Different breeds have different physical and temperamental traits. Small breeds might have difficulty with the downward motion on hard floors. Large breeds might find laying down uncomfortable on their joints. Toy breeds sometimes resist because they feel vulnerable lying down. Adjust your approach based on your dog’s breed characteristics, age, and physical condition. Always consult your veterinarian if your dog shows reluctance due to pain or discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age can puppies learn to lay down?

Puppies can begin learning the lay down command around 8-12 weeks old, though they won’t have the focus or impulse control of older dogs. Keep training sessions extremely short (2-5 minutes) and use especially high-value treats. Puppies need to learn “sit” first, so focus on that foundation during the earliest weeks. Expect slower progress but celebrate small victories.

How long does it typically take to train a dog to lay down?

This varies significantly based on age, breed, prior training experience, and consistency. Some dogs learn in a few days, while others need several weeks. Most dogs show noticeable progress within 2-3 weeks of daily practice. The key is consistent, short training sessions rather than occasional long ones. Patience and positive reinforcement matter far more than time invested.

Can older dogs learn to lay down?

Absolutely. Older dogs can learn new commands just as well as younger dogs, though they may need slightly longer to process new information. Older dogs often have the advantage of better focus and impulse control. However, be mindful of joint issues or arthritis that might make laying down uncomfortable. Consult your vet if your senior dog seems reluctant, and consider using softer surfaces for practice.

Should I use treats or toys as rewards?

Both can work, but most trainers find treats more effective for initial learning since they’re quick to deliver and consume. Once your dog understands the command, you can incorporate toy play or praise. Some dogs respond better to toys—particularly those with high prey drive. Experiment to find what motivates your individual dog most, and remember that the best reward is whatever your dog values most in that moment.

What if my dog knows sit but won’t lay down?

Try these troubleshooting steps: use higher-value treats, practice on a softer surface, try the capturing method, ensure your dog isn’t anxious about lying down, and consider working with a professional trainer. Some dogs develop a mental block around certain positions. Be patient, break the behavior into smaller steps using shaping, and never force your dog into a lay down position as this creates negative associations.

Is lay down harder than sit?

Most trainers consider lay down slightly more challenging than sit because it requires more effort and commitment from the dog. A dog must move from a balanced sitting position to a more vulnerable lying position. However, with proper technique and patience, most dogs learn it within a reasonable timeframe. The difficulty also depends on individual dog personality and breed tendencies.

Can I teach lay down without treats?

While treats are the most effective motivator for most dogs, you can use other rewards: enthusiastic praise, play sessions, favorite toys, or access to activities your dog enjoys. Some dogs are primarily motivated by play or interaction rather than food. However, food rewards are generally most effective during initial learning because they’re discrete, quick, and universally motivating. You can transition to other rewards once the command is solid.

Why is my dog only laying down for food?

This is actually a sign your dog understands the command but hasn’t yet learned to obey without visible rewards. Practice the command both with and without treats visible. Use random rewards—sometimes treat, sometimes just praise. Practice in non-training contexts throughout the day. Eventually, your dog will realize that laying down on command is rewarding regardless of whether food appears immediately.

Should I use a clicker when teaching lay down?

Clicker training is highly effective but optional. A clicker marks the exact moment your dog performs the desired behavior, which accelerates learning. However, a verbal marker like “yes!” works nearly as well. The key is consistency and precise timing. If you enjoy clicker training and have used it successfully for other behaviors, continue using it. If you’re new to it, either method works fine—choose what feels most natural to you.

How do I know if my dog is ready to learn lay down?

Your dog should reliably respond to the “sit” command before learning lay down. They should also demonstrate basic focus and the ability to take treats gently from your hand. Your dog should be in a calm, receptive state—not overly excited or tired. If these prerequisites are in place, your dog is ready to begin lay down training. If they’re not quite there yet, spend more time on foundational obedience first.