How to Train Your Dog to Sit, Stay & Lie Down

A dog that obeys commands is an enjoyable member of the family. It doesn't take any special skills to teach a dog basic commands, just patience and the willingness to practice. Short, frequent sessions help your dog learn quickly and remember what you teach. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends completing between five and 15 repetitions of an exercise during each training session.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog treats
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Instructions

  1. Sit

    • 1

      Stand beside your dog. Position yourself so that he is on your left side and you are both facing the same direction. Have a small treat in your right hand.

    • 2

      Give the command "sit" while using your left hand to gently press on your dog's hindquarters. At the same time, raise the treat above the dog's nose. Between looking up at the treat and feeling the light pressure on his hindquarters, your dog should sit.

    • 3

      Feed your dog the treat and praise with a pat and kind word. To repeat, move forward a few steps so that your dog is standing again.

    Lie Down

    • 4

      Position your dog on your left, in a sit. Hold a treat in your right hand and lower that hand to your dog's nose. Gradually lower your hand toward the ground and away from the dog so that he naturally stretches into a down position.

    • 5

      Say "down" as he lowers himself into a down position. Once the dog lowers himself completely to the floor, reward with the treat.

    • 6

      Lead the dog forward a few steps and repeat the process.

    Stay

    • 7

      Position your dog at your left. Ask him to either sit or lie down. Once in position, you are ready to train the stay.

    • 8

      Place your open hand in front of your dog's nose. This is the hand signal for stay. Say "stay" and take a step away from your dog.

    • 9

      Return to your dog and say "OK." This command lets your dog know he can move again. Reward him with a treat.

    • 10

      Practice the stay command while taking only a step or two away from your dog, until he realizes that "stay" means he should not move. If your dog moves, gently correct by putting him back into position and repeating both the stay command and hand signal.

    • 11

      Continue to increase the distance from your dog. Once your dog has mastered the stay command, practice asking him to stay while you leave the room or there are distractions, such as people or other animals walking around.