Teaching a puppy to lay down is part of a pup’s basic dog training. A puppy, while still young, is easier to train, and introducing him to basic commands would surely help. But, how exactly do you teach a puppy to lay down?
For a puppy to learn to lay down, it is important that your puppy has already mastered the “sit” command. It would then be easier for him to learn the command, “lay down.”
How to Teach a Dog to Lay Down
Step 1: The concept of positive reinforcement is basic in dog training. Show your puppy some training treats for him to get excited to learn, knowing that he gets a reward when he obeys. Make sure that the treat is something your furry companion loves to get him excited about during the whole training process.
Step 2: Tell your puppy to “sit.” Once he is in a sitting position, let’s move on to the next step.
Step 3: While your puppy is sitting, take a treat, and show it to your puppy. Give the command “Lay down” or “Down.”
Step 4: Hold the treat in front of your pup’s nose and move it slowly downwards to the ground. Allow your pup’s nose and head to follow the movement of the treat. This will encourage his whole body to go down in a laying position. Continue luring your puppy’s whole body to go down with the treat.
Step 5: Once your puppy is in a lying or prone position, give him the treat, along with praises for doing well.
Step 6: Repeat the process a few times, so your furry pet would get the idea of what he is supposed to do when told to “Lay down.” Be patient. When your puppy does not get it after a few tries, let him rest and try again the next day.
Step 7: Practice regularly until he learns to obey with or without the treat.
Importance Of Teaching A Puppy To Lay Down
Why do we have to teach our pups to lay down?
Teaching our young pups to lay down helps relieve our furry companions of stress. When our puppies lay down, the tension in their bodies goes away. Laying down relaxes them and can help with their behavior and attitude, especially in public.
A highly active and overexcited dog may be taught how to relax and manage their energy when they understand the “lay down” command. This command teaches them to calm themselves.
When our dogs lay down, it signals to other dogs that he is not a threat to the others.
It also keeps your puppy from running around and chasing after things in parks and other public spots.
What If My Dog Won’t Lay Down?
If on the first day, your puppy does not learn the “lay down” command or is having a hard time learning, that would be natural as dog training always takes time.
As always, be patient and keep working with your pup regularly. Over time, pretty sure your puppy would learn this new command.
However, when your pup already knows the command but refuses to obey, there might be underlying conditions why he won’t lay down.
One of the possible reasons he might not want to lay down is because he might be in pain. Your puppy might be having conditions that make moving painful.
Sometimes, a dog won’t lay down as well when he feels that lying down might be a threat. When our furry friends are in a new environment, they might not be comfortable with laying down just anywhere. Sometimes, it takes a bit of time for them to feel better to lay down on new spots.
If you are unsure of the reasons why your pup is not lying down when told to do so, or if you have qualms about his medical condition, which makes him avoid laying down, consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.