How do I teach my puppy to lie down?

Teaching the “down - stay” command to a puppy builds his respect for you and gives you hands-free control of your obedient dog.

Let’s start that puppy — sitting or standing — with a tasty treat right in front of his nose. Say his name and the command “down” while lowering the treat to the floor. Move the treat away from the dog and toward you. If he doesn’t drop right to the ground, gently push down on his shoulders. Reward with the treat and praise, “good boy!”

Soon you’ll be able to teach your energetic puppy to stay, too. But you’ll need the help of a few treats and lots of praise - puppies seem to have springs in their legs, and Sparky won’t stay down for long — not without a good reason to want to please his human.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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