Teaching Yorkies How to Lie Down

Your Yorkie can learn "down" more quickly with motivation in the form of treats.
i yorkshire image by jonnysek from Fotolia.com

The Yorkie is an intelligent dog who loves to please. Yorkies are so full of energy and personality that lying down on command can be a challenge for this breed. However, consistent training with your Yorkie will have him lying down in a matter of weeks.

Step 1

Teach your Yorkie the sit command. The Yorkie won't lie down on command without first learning the sit command. To have your Yorkie sit, hold a small easy-to-chew treat in front of her nose. Allow her to sniff and lick the treat. Say “sit” as you move the treat over your Yorkie's tiny muzzle and over the top of her head. Your dog will look up at the treat and sit to keep her balance. Immediately give the treat when her butt hits the floor and enthusiastically say “Good sit!” Repeat these steps several times per day before moving to the down command.

Step 2

Give the sit command and then teach down from the sitting position. Hold the treat at nose level and move the treat down to the floor. In an “L” shape motion, move the treat across the floor away from your Yorkie. Her head will move downward as the legs slide forward to a down position. Once the front legs move forward, say “down” and give verbal praise as soon as the dog's belly is on the floor.

Step 3

Practice the down command inside and outside. Once your Yorkie is lying down in one room, teach her in another room. Continue until she lies down in every room of the house. Then move to outside training, because your Yorkie needs to work through the distractions of life outside the home. Practice with your dog on a leash in the yard. After she's mastered that environment, give her practice sessions during walks.

the nest

×