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Updated 2026-09-29

Teaching a relaxed down

Teach a dog to lie down on a word or hand signal.

Dogs3–5 minutes, a few times a day
Dog and guardian demonstrating reward-based teaching a relaxed down

Four-stage reward-based training progression: set up, mark, reward and progress
Set up an easy success, mark the wanted choice, reward promptly and add only one small challenge at a time.

Step by step

  1. Step 1

    Lure from a sit

    Hold a treat at the dog's nose and move it slowly down between the front paws, then along the floor.

  2. Step 2

    Reward the moment elbows touch

    Mark with 'yes' and give the treat on the floor.

  3. Step 3

    Fade the lure

    After several successes, make the same movement with an empty hand and reward from the other hand.

  4. Step 4

    Add the word

    Say 'down' just before the hand signal once the dog is lying down reliably.

  5. Step 5

    Practise in new places

    Start again with easy steps in each new location.

Troubleshooting

  • If the dog stands up, move the lure more slowly and closer to the floor.
  • Some dogs find cold or slippery floors uncomfortable — use a mat.