Dogs naturally don’t want to lie down because it’s a sign of submission when they are down lower to you. This makes teaching your dog ‘down’ command a bit difficult. To train your dog to lay down on command, place him on the lead to have better control over him. Start with your dog in the ‘sit’ position and give your dog the ‘down’ command using hand signals. Use firm voice while giving the command. Don’t give him the bait unless he is actually lying down. The proper ‘down’ position needs your dog to have its legs on both sides of his body. If the dog starts to shift his heap to one side, use correction sound. When your dog finishes the command, let him stay in the ‘down’ position. Don’t allow the dog to stand up. Be calm and remove all distractions around the dog while training. Once the dog masters the command, add distractions.
