Training Large Dog to Lay Down?

United States
October 22, 2009 10:24am CST
We brought a black lab into our home about a month ago. Someone had dumped him off in the country and we were offered him by the person that picked him up. He seems to be about a year old, sweet tempered, VERY skittish. Almost like he's been beat. He will run and hide from you if you come at him, even if to play. He does know the sit command and is pretty good at it. But my question is, how do you get him to lay down? He is a huge dog and still has yet to grow into his paws. I have pulled on his collar while telling him to lay down. I have taken his feet out from under him or tried to walk them down. I have to practically lay on the poor thing to get him to lay down due to his size (and stubborness)! Any suggestions?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@minx267 (15527)
• Hartford, Connecticut
3 Nov 09
The easiest would be to use some treats. You don't say whether he sits on command.. When he is sitting I would crouch in front of him (so you don't look too intimidating (if that is what he is fearful of) put the treat down on the ground between his paws and offer it to him when he lays down. You can also try giving him treats with the command lay down whenever you see him already laying down. He may start to put 2 and 2 together and realize this is what you were after.
• United States
3 Nov 09
I agree treats work really well for him. He's a sucker for food! LOL
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
29 Oct 09
Well it is done using treats. It would be easier if I could show you but that is not possible. Since you are able to get him to sit that is good. Show him the treat have him sit. Then put the treat in front of him but don't allow him to eat it. Make sure his eyes are concentrating on the treat. Then while saying, "lay down lower the treat down to the ground hopefully his head and body will go down with the treat. Keep doing it using your eye contact on him as well until he gets what you are trying to get him to do. When he does lay down, praise him and give him the treat in the lying position. Repeat this a few times the first day then repeat a couple of times a day until he begins to understand. Your eye contact with him is very important too. I used to be able to just look at my dog and point down and she would know to lay down. He will get it. If he does not get it like this use a leash attached the the collar and as you are going down with the food to the ground gently tug down on the leash at the same time. After he gets it with the leash then try it without it.
• United States
3 Nov 09
Thank you! You are very good at giving advice!
@riyasam (16556)
• India
23 Oct 09
i love to keep dogs as pets but in the apartment where i live ,we arent allowed to keep pets but as far as i have seen from my friends they respond to love and with the passage of time respond to our commands.
• United States
23 Oct 09
I agree that they do respond to love. He has become more open & not quite as skittish. I still can't play with him though. He runs and hides. Hopefully he will eventually come totally out of his shell!
• India
22 Oct 09
Dear friend I liked that you adopted a dog, but that dog seems to be in some fear.Don't force him to lay down, talk with your dog in your language, he may not understand early but if he respond, appreciate him by loving(like by saying 'good boy') or give some of his favorite food. By doing this he will understand what your trying to tell him.And the most important thing never beat any animal to control them, they become very aggressive later on. Have some patience and believe in your dog.Treat him like your family member. ^_^
• United States
22 Oct 09
Thank you! I don't believe in beating animals. Like you said, they can become aggressive later on. I was just working with him and it seemed like he was finally getting the idea. At least when I had food in my hand! LOL
@Brad2289 (184)
• United States
26 Oct 09
I remember trying to get my first dog to lay down. he was a MASSIVE dog. Eventually we had to take him to a professional because we could just not get him to do it. He was so big he just did what he wanted. When we went on walks if he wanted to he could pull anyone who was holding the leash. Big dogs are always harder to train because they are sttuborn. I recommend trying treats and if that doesnt work you may need a ton of patience or a professional. Good luck and happy MyLoting!
• United States
3 Nov 09
Thank you so much for responding. I'm glad someone else has had the same problem as me. At least I don't feel so stupid now! LOL