If you have ever owned a dog that doesn’t seem to know how to get your dog to lie down, you are not alone. Almost every dog owner will eventually run into this dilemma. The first thing you should do is remember that dogs use different positions for various reasons. Some use their backside for sleeping, some on their stomachs, and some even lie down on their sides, or if you will, on their tummy. You will learn how to get your dog to lie down with these dog training tricks.
To start, you must make sure your dog is comfortable in his position. Most people think to make sure your dog is happy, you just have to give him a treat and say “good dog.” While this might work temporarily, it won’t help in the long run. If your dog has no desire to lie down, he is not likely to feel as comfortable as he could, and lying down can be quite a stressful situation for him.
One of the dog training tricks to try is teaching your dog to stay put. To do this, you simply have to hold a treat above his head and then command him to stay there. As soon as his hindquarters touch the floor, he will lower himself into it and remain there. If done properly, you should be able to see him doing this every time without even having to do anything.
Another of the dog training tricks to try is teaching him to shake hands. To do this, you must have someone on a leash at all times who can teach your dog how to shake hands. Make sure the person on the leash has your dog’s leash at the time. Then, you can move his left arm from the hip towards the ground as if he were shaking hands. As he does this, you can command him to “stay” or “stay down.”
One of the dog training tricks to try is teaching your dog to jump. To do this, you must first find someone who can let you have your dog jump on them, and then you will need a treat and your dog’s full attention. Then, when your dog jumps onto you, give him the treat and command him to “sit.” The more commands you give him, the less he will be able to resist, and eventually he will go lie down on your lap.
One last dog training tricks involves teaching your dog how to get down on all fours. To do this, you will need a crate. Once he is in the crate, let your dog out and then hold him by the scruff of his neck. Put your dog’s front paws into the crate, and then close the door. Every few days, take your dog out to the yard and practice how to get your dog to lie down on his back.
One final dog training trick is one that most people are unfamiliar with. This is called the “come here” dog trick, which is useful for getting your dog to come to you. To do this, you will need two towels, a dog bowl and a doggie treat bag. Start by holding the dog bowl up in front of the dog, then extend your arm in a beckoning motion. When the dog gets near you, give him the dog treat and start moving towards him. When the dog gets anxious, tell him “come here,” and point to a certain spot in front of you.
Once he’s about one step away from you, pull back, place the dog treat bag in front of him, and say “lie down.” Slowly move him toward the dog bowl, using your open hand. When he gets to about halfway down the dog bed, lift his rear up and walk him forward until he is standing. You should be able to see him flatten himself against the dog bed. If you’re having a hard time getting your dog to lie down on the towel, try using the same “come here” trick, but use your open hand instead of a dog treat.
