How to Teach a Dog to Lie Down (The “L” Lure)
A step-by-step way to teach down without pushing or pulling: lure straight down, then along the floor in an L shape, and mark when both elbows touch.
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What you’re teaching
Step by step
- Start with your dog sitting. Hold a treat at their nose.
- Move the treat straight down to the floor between their front paws, then slowly away from them along the floor, like the letter L.
- The moment both elbows touch the floor, say “Yes!” and give the treat on the floor.
- If they stand up instead, go slower, or reward halfway (head lowered) a few times first.
- After 5 good tries, use an empty hand for the signal and pay from the other hand. Then add the word “Down” before the signal.
Common mistakes
- Using “Down” for “get off the sofa” as well. Pick “Off” for that.
- Practicing on a cold or slippery floor. Many dogs refuse. Use a rug.
Using it in real life
What to teach next
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why won’t my dog lie down on command?
The usual reasons are the surface (cold, hard or slippery), a lure that moves too fast, or a room that is too exciting. Try a rug in a quiet room and reward halfway positions a few times. Small dogs and deep-chested dogs often need the treat to travel more slowly.
Should I use “down” or “lie down”?
Either works, as long as everyone in the house uses the same one and it means only this. If you also say “down” for getting off the sofa or for not jumping, pick a different word for those, such as “off.”
Do I need to teach sit before down?
It helps, because the lure starts from a sit, but it isn’t required. Some dogs find it easier to go into a down from standing. Use whichever your dog offers more readily.
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