How to Teach a Basset Hound to Lie Down
Teaching a Basset Hound to lie down is an excellent foundation for building settle and impulse control. While Basset Hounds are easygoing and gentle, their independent streak and moderate trainability (2/5) mean they need patience, clear motivation, and consistent reinforcement. Their low energy levels work in your favor—the down position comes naturally to these loungers. However, their stubborn nature means you'll need to make lying down rewarding enough to compete with their natural desire to roam on scent trails. This guide uses positive reinforcement to help your Basset understand that staying down brings high-value rewards, setting the stage for better focus and impulse control.
Step-by-step
- 1
Capture Voluntary Downs
Watch your Basset throughout the day and immediately mark and reward any time they naturally lie down, even briefly. This teaches them that the down position itself is valuable without forcing the behavior, which works well for their stubborn temperament. Use high-value treats like small pieces of cheese or chicken to make lying down irresistible.
- 2
Lure into Position with Treats
Hold a treat close to your Basset's nose while they're sitting, then slowly move it toward the ground and back toward their chest in a gentle J-shape motion. As their nose follows, their body should fold into a down naturally. Reward the moment their elbows touch the ground, even if it's not perfectly straight.
- 3
Add the 'Down' Cue
Once your Basset reliably follows the treat lure into the down position, say 'down' clearly just before they move into position. Pair the word consistently with the lure and reward. Basset Hounds respond better to encouraging tones, so use a pleasant voice rather than a commanding one.
- 4
Increase Duration Gradually
Start rewarding longer holds—begin with just 1–2 seconds, then slowly extend to 5, 10, and 20 seconds before releasing and rewarding. Release with a clear marker word like 'free' so they learn when the down is complete. This builds the impulse control and settle behavior you're aiming for.
- 5
Reduce Lure Dependency
Begin using your hand signal (open palm moving down) without the treat lure, but keep treats handy to reward quickly when they respond. Gradually fade the lure until your Basset responds to the hand signal and verbal cue alone. Their scent-distraction tendency means training in quieter, less stimulating environments will speed up progress.
- 6
Practice in Varied Locations
Once reliable at home, practice the down cue in different rooms, outdoors, and gradually in more distracting settings. Basset Hounds' baying and recall failures often stem from high distraction, so proofing the behavior across environments helps. Always return to easier locations if they struggle, and keep sessions short to match their moderate energy.
Pro tips
- Use scent-work rewards like freeze-dried liver or small meat treats to tap into your Basset's natural motivation. Since scent distraction is a challenge for the breed, using their nose-driven instincts as a training tool converts a weakness into a strength.
- Train before walks or after exercise, not when they're restless or have scent drive high. A calm Basset is far more willing to cooperate than one already primed to follow a trail—their moderate energy level means they're sharpest when settled.
- Build in frequent breaks and keep a playful, encouraging tone throughout. Basset Hounds are easygoing and gentle; they train best with patience and positive energy, not repeated corrections. This breed will literally turn their head away if they're bored or frustrated, so make training fun and rewarding.
Frequently asked questions
My Basset just won't lie down on command—she'll sit but refuses the down. What should I do?+
This is typical Basset stubbornness. Don't force it or repeat the cue multiple times, which can frustrate both of you. Instead, go back to capturing voluntary downs for a few days to build positive association with the behavior. Ensure your rewards are genuinely high-value—chicken, cheese, or freeze-dried liver often work better than kibble. You can also try luring on a soft surface like a bed or rug, which makes the down more comfortable for their long spine.
How long should each training session be?+
Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Basset Hounds have moderate energy and can lose focus quickly, especially if they pick up a scent. Short, frequent sessions with plenty of breaks and play maintain motivation and prevent boredom. Once they're reliable, you can extend sessions slightly, but quality always beats quantity with this breed.
Can I use the down cue to stop my Basset from baying or pulling on walks?+
Yes, eventually. Teaching down builds impulse control, which helps reduce baying and improves focus. However, it's not a quick fix during high-arousal moments—Basset Hounds are prone to baying due to their hound heritage. Use down as part of a broader impulse-control toolkit: practice settle during calm periods first, then gradually during mild distractions. For serious baying or pulling, consider pairing this training with exercise (45 minutes daily) to burn excess energy.
What if my Basset gets up before I release them?+
Stay calm and don't reward. Gently guide them back into the down without frustration or verbal correction—Basset Hounds respond poorly to harsh corrections. Simply cue 'down' again and lure them back into position, then reward for even a brief hold. If this happens often, you're likely asking for too long a duration too soon. Reduce your hold time and build up more gradually to set them up for success.