How to Train a Boxer to Lay Down

One of the first instructions owners teach their dogs during obedience training is the ̶0;down̶1; command. In this case, the owner requires the dog to lie down immediately. The owner will normally use the ̶0;go lie down̶1; command around the house or garden, when the boxer must find a comfortable spot to settle down, but there is no urgency to it. There is definite urgency to the ̶0;down̶1; command and you need to train your boxer needs to understand and respond appropriately. This command is extremely valuable, because it allows you to stop your boxer from running into a busy road or from chasing after other dogs or cats.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Seek out a quiet place where your boxer will not easily be distracted. People and other pets near to where you are training will normally distract your dog as may the presence of vehicles.

    • 2

      Place a collar on the boxer if you are training outside of your garden and attach a leash to the collar in the event something frightens the boxer or attracts its attention and it attempts to run off.

    • 3

      Ensure that your boxer knows the ̶0;sit̶1; command before training the ̶0;down̶1; command.

    • 4

      Command the boxer to sit on your left side. Bend slightly over and rest your hands just behind the boxer̵7;s front legs.

    • 5

      Give the ̶0;down̶1; command and gently force the boxer̵7;s front legs forward.

    • 6

      Wait for the dog̵7;s body to go down completely and praise the animal immediately.

    • 7

      Repeat the exercise several times, but do not train for longer than 15 minutes at a time.

    • 8

      Stoop less and less each time you command your boxer to ̶0;down̶1; or the dog may not respond correctly when it receives the command from a person in a standing position.

    • 9

      Command your boxer to sit in front of you as an alternative to sitting next to you.

    • 10

      Take hold of the boxer̵7;s lower front legs and pull them gently toward you. Give the ̶0;down̶1; command as you pull the dog̵7;s legs forward. Praise the boxer as soon as it is in the down position. As with the first approach to the ̶0;down̶1; exercise, do not train for longer than 15 minutes at a time. Depending on the abilities of your own boxer, you may need to train over a number of days before the dog understands what you require of it.