Teaching your Boston Terrier to lie down is a great way to help them learn basic commands. It also helps build trust and strengthens the bond between you and your pup.
With patience, consistency, and a few treats, you can easily teach your Boston Terrier this important command.
Here’s how.
Training Your Boston Terrier To Lie Down
What is the purpose of teaching your Boston to lie down?
The purpose of teaching your Boston Terrier to lie down is to help them learn basic commands, build trust, and strengthen the bond between you and your pup.
What other essential commands should my Boston Terrier know?
Some additional essential commands that your Boston Terrier should know include “sit
,” “stay,” and “come.” Training your pup to obey these commands will make life much easier for both of you.
Read this list of essential obedience training your Boston should know before you start teaching them tricks: The 10 Most Important Commands To Teach Your Boston Terrier!
How long will it take to teach my Boston Terrier the lie-down command?
It is going to take, on average, 12+ tries before your Boston is going to pick up on this new command.
These findings come from a poll conducted on the Boston Terrier Society’s Twitter community. With over 44+ Boston Parents responding, the majority state it takes their Boston 12+ attempts before they learn a new command.
See the poll here…I may have spelled try funny, but the information is all the same 🙂
How long does it take for your Boston to learn a new command?
— Boston Terrier Society (@Boston_Society) November 29, 2022
What should I not do when teaching my Boston Terrier how to lie down?
Do not become frustrated if your Boston Terrier does not pick up on the command immediately. Training your pup takes time and patience, and it is important to be consistent with your commands.
Additionally, do not use force or coercion when teaching your Boston to lie down – this will only make them resistant to learning. Instead, use positive reinforcement (i.e., treats) to encourage them to obey.
Step By Step: How To Train Your Boston Terrier To Lie Down
Step One: Establish a Command Word
Choose a word or phrase to use when you want your Boston Terrier to lie down. Make sure that it is consistent each time you give the command, so they don’t get confused.
Common words used for this type of command include “lie down” or “down.” If you want to use something more unique, consider using an inside joke like “pancake time” or “take a break!” The key is that it should be short enough for them to remember it easily.
Step Two: Reward Good Behavior
Once you have established the word or phrase you will use, start rewarding your Boston when he lies down on his own accord. As soon as he does lay down, say the word or phrase followed by lots of verbal praise and a small treat such as a piece of kibble or dog biscuit.
. 14 years of real-world advice on health, training, and care. Grab it on Amazon →Repeat this process every single time he successfully lies down until he starts recognizing what behavior is expected of him when you say the command word or phrase out loud.
Step Three: Encourage with Positive Reinforcement
Now that your Boston has started recognizing the command, it’s time to encourage them further with positive reinforcement techniques such as putting treats close enough for them to smell but not eat unless they do what was asked of them (in this case, lying down).
Keep in mind that during this stage, they may still need some gentle guidance from you in order for them to complete the task correctly – but be sure not to push too hard in order not to overwhelm them.
Once they have completed the task correctly, make sure to reward them with verbal praise and their favorite treat!
Watch this Video – How To Train Your Dog To Lie Down
If you are like me, you need a visual on how to teach your Boston to lie down. Here is a helpful video walking you through the process of the lie-down command.
Need more exciting tricks to teach your Boston Terrier?
Here is a list of tricks you can teach your Boston Terrier that they will love!
If you want even more fun tricks to teach your Boston, check out this article on Boston Terrier Society: 15 Epic Tricks To Teach Your Boston Terrier!
Final Thoughts
Training your Boston Terrier isn’t always easy, but with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, it can be done successfully!
When teaching your pup any kind of new trick – including the one we just discussed – remember that repetition is key; keep practicing until they have mastered the command, and then continue reinforcing it with rewards.
With proper training, your Boston Terrier will soon understand what is expected of him/her and become an even better companion than before.
If you want to learn more commands and tricks you can teach your Boston Terrier, be sure to visit our article, 49 Commands And Tricks You Can Teach Your Boston!