How to teach a dog the “Lie Down” command - tips from dog handlers

Team benefits

To use the command correctly, it is important to know how it affects your pet. When your companion sits or lies down, his nervous system calms down. Excitation processes are inhibited. This can be useful, for example, during a severe panic attack or when weaning oneself from bad habits.

The command is also useful in everyday life. It is difficult to be on public transport without it. This skill helps develop self-control, which makes the companion generally behave calmer. Intrigued? Now let's talk about learning methods.

In everyday life

The skill of lying down on command will be useful for you and your pet on public transport, for example, on the train. In any situation where the dog must stop activity, this skill is appropriate: at an exhibition, hunting, examination by a veterinarian, etc. In addition, the “Lie Down” command is included in all disciplinary training courses and in almost all dog sports disciplines.

Laying the dog down helps to fix it in a calm position and, if necessary, leave the dog in this position for a certain time. This will make grooming, nail trimming, teeth brushing, combing and other hygiene procedures easier.

Standard

Performing at an exhibition or competition involves demonstrating commands, and if the plan is to win awards, then obedience is key. This team is included in all training course standards. The positioning is used to more confidently hold the dog when practicing discipline in the “Exposure” technique.

How to stop a Spitz from barking

The main negative feature of the cute Spitz is barking, so it is important from a young age to control not only this manifestation, but also the volume.

First determine the cause:

• joy;
• fear;
• aggression or something else.

To distract your Spitz from barking uncontrollably, use:

• toys;
• muzzle;
• water splashes.

Under no circumstances should you distract your pet from this activity with treats. He will take this as praise, which will ultimately have a negative impact on his upbringing.

To wean your pet from a bad habit:

• ignore it, showing dissatisfaction with the sound made;
• scold without using corporal punishment;
• take at least an hour and a half walk so he can burn off his energy;
• use the words “You can’t!” and “Place!”, do not forget to praise the dog for following commands.

Basic Rules

You need to train your dog consistently. It is important to accurately determine the technique that is suitable for a particular pet. It will be easier to teach the “Down” command if you follow certain rules.

• To begin, choose the quietest place possible. It is better to train an animal on the street rather than at home. Choose an area with clean soil, free of dirt.
• During training, you need to become an authority for the dog, not a tyrant. Do not use brute physical force, avoid cruelty.
• Make sure that the command is executed correctly and do not make concessions. Otherwise, it will be almost impossible to retrain over time.
• The voice command must be spoken before lowering the pet to the ground. The treat is given after the action is completed.
• If the dog gets up of its own accord, it is necessary to return it to a lying position and repeat the command.
• You should not immediately try to put your pet down for a long time. It makes no sense to require a lot of endurance at the very beginning.
• You shouldn’t force your dog to demonstrate the skill throughout the entire walk; everything should be done in moderation.
• You need to release the animal after completion with the command “Walk”, but not “Come to me”. The latter is classified as pleasant, which will reduce endurance when performing the skill of lying down.
• It is much easier to train a dog that already knows how to stand or sit.
• You should not pronounce the command in combination with others. Especially in the same sequence. Otherwise, the pet will perform the necessary actions only in conjunction.

Second way

This method of teaching a dog the “Lie Down” command is suitable for dogs that were not able to be taught to lay down using the first method at an early age:

• Command “Sit.”
• Put a leash on the dog and move it under the muzzle.
• Command “Lie down.”
• Pull the leash sharply, simultaneously pressing between the shoulder blades with your hand.
• After training, give the dog a treat, pet it and verbally encourage it, “Well done, lie down.”
• Hold the dog so that it does not move for a while.

This method of teaching dogs how to style is suitable for pets with a wayward character. Over time, remove the leash from your training and make the task more difficult - lie not in front of you, but on the side of you, next to your left or right leg.

What is needed for training

Before you start learning something new, you need to prepare everything you need. This is not difficult, since you will need the most common devices:

1. Comfortable collar
   . This is a mandatory item - it is used to control the pet.
2. Short leash
   (2 m). It will be needed not only for classes, but also for moving to the training site.
3. Reward
   . This is usually a treat. But do not take regular food - it will not interest the dog and will not become a motivator. Tasty pieces should not be too large, otherwise the dog will quickly get full and lose interest in activities.
4. Good mood
   . A very important factor, since dogs sense the emotional mood of the owner very well. Only in a calm, friendly environment can a positive result be achieved.

If you're exercising outdoors, bring a couple of toys to keep your dog entertained after the workout.

When to start and how to conduct training?

A puppy that has reached the age of 2.5-3 months is quite ready for its first training, but first you need to teach it to sit on command. If the sitting position has already been mastered, at first it will be much easier to teach the dog how to lay down. Practice the skill, use treats. Training should be carried out in a calm atmosphere. Choose a location where the puppy will not be distracted.

How to teach your dog the command “Down!”

There are several options: food, mechanical and random. You will have to choose yourself, but it is recommended to start with the first one. Impact is used when other methods have proven ineffective.

Behavior selection method

Spitz training at home for beginners

This method works best if you have a lot of free time and little space to work with. All that needs to be done is to catch the moment when the pet makes the movement that is necessary, completely naturally. This is especially good for dogs who take the desired position very often.

When your pet lays down naturally on his own, you should immediately give him positive reinforcement through praise and then immediately throw in a small treat.

After about three or four times after suddenly rewarding the dog for lying down, it will be noticeable that he begins to understand why he is being rewarded and given a treat. He will begin to pay more attention to what he does that brings rewards. But at such moments the dog may become agitated and no longer respond to the desired command. In this case, you should be patient.

With hook

You can try to carry out training without treats - the method is suitable for obstinate or adult individuals. In this case, the trainer’s left hand is located on the dog’s withers, and the right hand picks up the pet under the front paws.

After giving the command, you need to gently press on the withers and with your right hand, slightly knocking (hook), move the front paws forward. When the dog takes a lying position, it should be praised and rewarded. After a five-second stay in a lying position, the dog is released with the command “Walk!”

It is important to immediately correct the dog's position when it follows the command. The body should be positioned in a straight line, without falling to the side. The front legs are extended forward, the hind legs are tucked in.

Food method

The most gentle method. The only possible option is if the “student” is too young. You should gently force your companion to lie down. What should I do?

1. Have your companion sit down. He must know the command “Sit!”

2. Show the treat. This could be a dry food pellet, but it is better to take something more valuable. For example, cheese or rye crackers.

3. Start slowly lowering the treat. Keep it close enough so that your pet doesn't have to stand up.

4. When your companion lies down, give the command “Down!” Reward with treats and pet.

Repeat until the pet understands what is required of him. Soon the dog will willingly obey.

Mechanical method

Used as a last resort. For example, when an animal does not obey or is indifferent to food.

1. Sit your pet down.

2. Gently grasp and lift your dog's elbows. Put your pet down. Try not to cause harm.

Third way

The last technique on how to teach a dog the “Lie down” command. In order not to injure your pet, you need to act clearly and harmoniously:

• Command “Sit” and let the dog take the indicated position.
• Give the dog the “Down” command.
• Place one hand under the front paws, hook them so that the dog loses its footing, and with the other hand press between the shoulder blades, encouraging the dog to lie down.
• Let it remain in the desired position. Make sure the dog doesn't change it.
• After training, give the dog a treat, show affection, verbally encouraging “Well done, lie down.”

This method of teaching a dog to lie down is only suitable for an adult dog.

Tips for training and learning commands

If you are not confident in your abilities and knowledge, it is better to attend several classes with a dog handler who will show you how to correctly teach how to perform a particular command. You can do it yourself only when you have a knowledge base, because wrong actions can harm the puppy.

During training, the dog should be given a good walk, this is necessary so that it is not distracted by smells and strangers. Dog trainers advise avoiding rude words and actions in general and when learning new commands. It must be remembered that the pet cannot carry out the order the first time; it takes time to understand and study.

The location where you conduct your classes is also important. If at the beginning you can teach him to obey the command to lie down in the house, then later, when going outside, you need to choose areas with dry soil or grass. In rainy and frosty weather you should not do this. Create different conditions when studying. This could be a run, during which the puppy needs to be stopped and given the command to lie down. It is also good to repeat exercises in crowded places for better socialization.

In addition to treats, you should definitely use regular praise. For a correctly completed task, you need to stroke it lightly. This method also has a good effect on the assimilation of knowledge, and also brings you closer to the animal. An important point is that during classes it is better to avoid playing with other animals; it is advisable that during classes you are alone with the animal. It will be useful to learn the voice command.

Additional training tips

• Do not forget that the command “Lie down” is given before coercion, and the treat is given only after the pet has laid down.
• If the dog gets up without your command, be sure to return it to the desired position, while repeating “Lie down!”
• Avoid excessive roughness when applying pressure.
• Do not try to immediately get great endurance from your dog.
• Do not place your puppy on dirty or wet ground during the early stages of training.
• Release the dog with the command “Walk”, not “Come to me” . The fact is that “Come to me” is a pleasant command (if you have trained the dog correctly), so it is much more difficult for a pet that is accustomed to being released with this command to wait. As a result, endurance becomes significantly worse.

Training a puppy

To exercise with a small dog, you need to choose a quiet, calm place where nothing will distract it. The training can be done like this:

1. An animal that knows the “Sit” command must be seated in front of you.
2. One hand should be placed on the pet’s withers, with the other you should take a treat and bring it to the pet’s nose, and then to the ground.
3. The dog will instinctively reach for the food and lie down on the floor. In this case, you will need to give the command “Lie down” and hold the puppy by the withers for a few seconds so that he does not get up prematurely. The treat should be given to the dog immediately after the order is completed correctly.

If your pet doesn’t listen to you, you can train it using another method:

• The starting position for training is the same - the dog sits in front of the owner.
• A person approaches the pet from the side, puts his hand under his front paws, and places the other on the withers. He simultaneously presses the animal to the ground and stretches its limbs forward. Under such pressure the dog lies down on the ground. With this method of training, it is extremely important for the dog owner to control his own strength, otherwise he may injure the animal.
• As soon as the pet takes a lying position, he needs to be given the appropriate order. To reinforce this skill, the dog must be rewarded.

Why is it so important to teach your dog this command?

Before you start teaching puppies the lie down command, you need to understand why learning this command is really necessary:

• The “Down” command is a mandatory element of professional training.
• Laying will help keep the dog at rest, and, if necessary, leave it in this position for a certain time.
• The “Lie down” command can be used as an auxiliary element when teaching a dog the “Place” command.
• Styling helps to practice endurance.
• With the help of the command, you can easily examine the dog, treat it for parasites, bathe it, and the like.

Coercion and encouragement

Practicing this command begins when the puppy is approximately 3.5-4 months old. It is not worth starting to teach this command earlier, since it falls into the category of those commands that are practiced in the so-called contrasting method, which implies the presence of the following elements:

• coercion to action;
• rewards for completed actions.

In this case, coercion will consist in the fact that when you give the command “lie down,” you will begin to press your hand on the dog’s withers. Encouragement may include:

• stroking;
• treats;
• praise.

Coercion does not mean that you should hit or scold the dog. No, everything should be served extremely softly

Of course, your dog would prefer a treat, but you can alternate the treat with tactile rewards or a kind word.

Types of training

You can teach a German Spitz basic commands using 3 training methods:

1. Cynological. Suitable for beginner dog lovers. The pet is sent to a training school, where professionals work with it. Result 100%. Disadvantages: separation for 2-4 weeks, lack of relationship with the owner.
2. Joint. The owner works with a German Spitz under the supervision of an instructor. The most reliable method. In addition, classes will be more necessary for a person than for a dog - he needs to learn how to interact correctly with a pet, understand him and speak the same language with him.
3. Independent. Training a Spitz at home is not difficult, even if you have no experience. The main thing is to study thematic literature and videos. Plus – free training, building close relationships. And if something doesn’t work out, you can always contact a dog handler.

With any type of training, the dog can be taught using three different approaches to training:

• incentive - the pet is treated or praised after correctly following orders;
• mechanical: the owner helps the dog carry out the command - he presses on the withers, croup, pulls the leash, pulls it away with his hand, this way you can start the first training;
• contrasting - both methods of training are used.

Any training method is good. But it is better to resort to contrast - the German Spitz quickly learns commands that are simultaneously reinforced by physical influence and praise.

How much do you need to study

The first lessons should take no more than 10 minutes. It is better to devote 5 minutes to the command “Lie down” several times a day - this way you will achieve the best effect. Gradually you need to start holding the dog in a lying position: first for 5 seconds, by the end of training - up to 5 minutes. Everything is individual. Some animals, after a few days from the start of training, can withstand 1 minute in a lying position, some are not able to stay in place for 10 seconds. Take it slow, don't rush things.

Patience and systematicity are the most important thing

Don't demand quick results from yourself and your dog. Exercise little but often. Don't take long breaks. Raising a puppy takes time. There is no need to rush: the command “Lie down” is a kind of foundation that needs to be laid correctly. And if we are talking about an adult pet, be even more patient. After all, the ability to carry out the command “Give me your paw” does not mean obedience and learning ability.

How to give commands to your dog using gestures?

Gesture commands, as you understand, are possible in situations where the trainer is in the dog’s field of vision. This usually happens during tests and competitions in some training courses, sometimes during exhibitions with dogs. Gestures are widely used in dog dancing. Gesture commands can be used to control a deaf dog, provided that an electronic collar is used, the signal of which is to look in the direction of the trainer. In everyday life, a command with gestures also implies the presence of a signal that attracts the dog’s attention to the owner.

As for dogs, it is not difficult for them to understand the meaning of human gestures, since they actively use a variety of pantomimic signals to communicate with their own kind.

Teaching your dog to respond to gestures is not difficult. To do this, when training a puppy or young dog, you can give a command with your voice, accompanying it with an appropriate gesture. This is the meaning of the training method, which is called the pointing or target method. It is often described as follows: Hold a piece of dog treat or play object in your right hand (both the treat and the play object are called a target). Give your dog the command “Sit!” Bring the target to the dog's nose and move it from the nose up and a little back - so that, reaching for the target, the dog sits down. After several sessions, the number of which is determined by the characteristics of the dog, the target is not used, and gestures are made with an “empty” hand. In the second case, the dog is first trained to do what is required by a voice command, and when the dog learns the sound command, a gesture is added to it. And after several sessions of simultaneous use of commands with voice and gesture, they begin to give commands to the dog separately with voice and separately with gesture, getting it to perform the required action in both cases.

In the General Course of Training (GTC), gestures are used to provide the dog with a free state, for calling, for landing, standing and laying down when the trainer is at a distance from the dog, when duplicating commands to retrieve an object, sending the dog into place and to overcome gymnastic equipment.

When giving the dog a free state, which means walking the dog without a leash, the hand gesture not only duplicates the voice command, but also indicates the direction of the dog’s desired movement.

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We act like this. The dog is in its original position, i.e. sitting to your left. You unfasten the leash, give the dog the command “Walk!” and raise your right hand, palm down, to shoulder height, in the direction of the desired movement of the dog, and then lower it to the thigh of your right leg. To begin with, the trainer should run a few meters in the indicated direction to explain to the dog what is required of it.

In addition, guiding gestures are used when fetching (gesture - the straight right hand is raised to shoulder level with the palm down, towards the thrown object) and when overcoming obstacles (gesture - the straight right hand is raised to shoulder level with the palm down, towards the obstacle).

To train a dog to approach the trainer by gesture, if it is free, first call the dog’s name and at the moment when the dog looks at the trainer, give a command with a gesture: the right hand, palm down, is raised to the side at shoulder level and quickly lowered to the right hip legs.

If the dog has already been trained to approach on a voice command, then after attracting attention, they first show a gesture and then give a voice command. If the dog has not yet been trained to approach, it is walked on a long leash (cord, thin rope, etc.). After attracting the dog's attention, a gesture is made with a name and a light twitch of the leash initiates the dog's approach. At the same time, you can run away from the dog or show it some target that is attractive to it.

The gesture for landing in OKD is given as follows: the straight right hand is raised to the right side to shoulder level with the palm down, then bent at the elbow at a right angle with the palm facing forward. Typically, the sit gesture is introduced after the dog agrees to sit on a voice command.

There are at least two ways to teach a dog to sit by gesture. In the first case, fix the dog in a standing or lying position and stand in front of it at arm's length. Take the target in your right hand and move your hand from bottom to top, guide the dog to a landing. When making the gesture, say the command. Of course, the gesture is not very correct, but this is not scary. Now we are forming in the dog the concept of the information content of the gesture.

When your dog can easily do what is required in 2 commands, stop using the voice command. At the next stage, remove the target by controlling the dog with an “empty” hand. Then it remains to gradually bring the hand movement closer to that described in the rules.

You can practice the landing gesture using the pushing method. Stand in front of your dog, facing him. Take the leash in your left hand and pull it slightly. Give a vocal command and move your right hand from bottom to top, making a simplified gesture and hitting the leash from below with your hand, forcing the dog to sit. Just as in the first case, eventually stop giving commands with your voice.

The gesture for laying in OKD is given as follows: the straight right hand is raised forward to shoulder level with the palm down, then lowered to the thigh.

You should start practicing the skill of laying down by gesture when you have mastered laying down in the main stance and maintaining a given pose with the trainer moving away.

Secure your dog in a sit or stand position. Stand in front of her at arm's length, take the target in your right hand and move your hand from top to bottom, carrying the target past the dog's nose, point it at the placement. At the same time, say the command. Of course, the gesture is not very correct, but it is acceptable. In the second or third lesson, the target is removed, and as the dogs become more trained, they reproduce the gesture more and more correctly.

As in the case of landing, the laying gesture can also be taught by pushing. Having fixed the dog in the “sit” position or in a stand, stand in front of the dog, facing it at arm's length, take the leash in your left hand and pull it slightly. Then give a voice command and make a gesture with your right hand so that your hand hits the leash from top to bottom, forcing the dog to lie down. In the future, omit the voice command and get the dog to perform the action according to the gesture.

The gesture that initiates the dog to get up and stand is carried out as follows: the right arm, slightly bent at the elbow, is raised up and forward with a wave (palm up) to waist level.

But, before you start practicing the skill of standing by gesture, you and the dog must master the standing position in the main position and maintaining a given pose when the trainer moves away.

Secure the dog in a “sit” or “lie down” position. Stand in front of your dog, facing him at arm's length. Take the food target in your right hand, bend your arm at the elbow, bringing the target to the dog's nose and moving the target up and towards you, position the dog. Then the target is removed and gradually, from lesson to lesson, the gesture is made closer and closer to the standard one.

If you need to teach your dog to do what is required at a distance, begin to increase the distance only after the dog begins to take the desired position in close proximity to you at the first command. Take your time. Increase the distance literally one step at a time. And work as a shuttle. That is, after the command is given, approach the dog: if the dog complies with the command, praise it; if not, help me do it.

The main mistakes that dog owners make during the training process

One of the main mistakes during training is excessive use of force and intimidation. Such methods, as a rule, do not lead to real results. Also, during training, you cannot “humanize” the dog. Unfortunately, dogs do not understand human speech and are not able to immediately understand what is wanted from them.

Not everyone takes into account the behavioral characteristics of a pet when training the necessary skills. As a result, an individual approach during training is ignored. And you can’t hold the lesson for too long. The dog may become bored (especially a puppy or teenager with a short attention span, such as terriers).

Note! You should not train in a bad mood. This is a recipe for disaster. Most likely, if the dog fails, the trainer will lash out in anger at the pet, which will lead to a bad result.

Let's sum it up

The “lie down” command, although it seems useless at first, will very soon demonstrate to you all the delights of the fact that the dog knows how to perform it, especially if you always take your dog everywhere and, for example, prefer to travel by public transport. Rest assured that your pet does not suffer from learning commands, but, on the contrary, is happy to learn them, since intellectual exercise develops dogs in almost the same way as humans, and gives them pleasure in the same way.

Sources

• https://dogworry.ru/dressirovka/kak-nauchit-sobaku-komande-lezhat.html
• https://dogkind.ru/dressirovka-sobak/kak-nauchit-sobaku-komande-lezhat/
• https://kinpet.ru/kak-nauchit-sobaku-komande-lezhat-/
• https://vplate.ru/sobaki/nauchit-lezhat/
• https://gafki.ru/sobaki/kak-nauchit-komande-lezhat.html
• https://RealPet.ru/vospitanie/komanda-lezhat-dlya-sobak.html
• https://dogtricks.ru/osnovnye-komandy/kak-nauchit-sobaku-komande-lezhat
• https://pets-expert.ru/kak-nauchit-sobaku-komande-lezhat/
• https://lifeo.ru/kak-nauchit-sobaku-komande-lezhat/

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