How to Teach a Newfoundland to Lie Down
Teaching your Newfoundland to lie down is a cornerstone obedience skill that leverages their naturally calm, patient temperament beautifully. Unlike more high-energy breeds, Newfoundlands are naturally inclined to rest and settle, making the "down" cue relatively straightforward to instill. This command serves as a foundation for impulse control and the ability to settle on cue—especially valuable given their giant size and tendency to jump as puppies. Because Newfoundlands mature slowly (often not reaching full behavioral maturity until 2–3 years), consistent, gentle practice now builds lifelong habits. The down position also naturally reduces excitement and leash-pulling behaviors, two common Newfoundland challenges. With their sweet, devoted nature and strong desire to please, they respond beautifully to positive reinforcement and require patience rather than pressure.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with your dog already sitting
Begin in a calm, distraction-free environment after your Newfoundland's 45-minute daily exercise—a tired dog learns faster. Ensure they're already in a sit position; this makes the transition to down more intuitive for their body and mind.
- 2
Lure with a high-value treat close to their chest
Hold a small treat just above their nose, then slowly lower it toward the ground between their front paws in a straight vertical line. Move slowly and deliberately; Newfoundlands appreciate a patient approach, and the treat should be directly below their chin to encourage a natural lowering motion.
- 3
Reward the moment their elbows touch the ground
Mark the instant their front legs bend and their belly approaches the floor with a clear, consistent word like 'yes!' or a clicker, then immediately reward. Timing is essential—reward the behavior itself, not what comes after.
- 4
Pair the treat lure with a verbal cue and hand signal
As they follow the treat downward, say 'down' in a calm, neutral tone and use a simple hand signal (a gentle downward motion). Repeat this pairing 5–10 times per training session; Newfoundlands learn best with consistency and calm repetition, not high-repetition drills.
- 5
Gradually reduce the lure and increase duration
After 3–5 successful repetitions, begin using just the verbal cue and hand signal without the treat in your hand—but still reward immediately when they respond. Slowly extend the time they remain in the down position, starting with just 2–3 seconds and adding a second or two each session.
- 6
Generalize the skill across environments
Once reliable in a quiet room, practice 'down' in low-distraction outdoor spaces, then gradually busier environments. Newfoundlands take time to mature, so expect slow progress; keep sessions short (5–10 minutes) and always end on success.
Pro tips
- Train after your Newfoundland's daily 45-minute exercise window—a dog that's had appropriate physical activity is calmer, more focused, and learns faster than an under-exercised one.
- Newfoundlands drool and are prone to jumping as puppies; reward the down position generously because it's a natural alternative to both jumping and restless behavior. This command addresses two common breed challenges simultaneously.
- Avoid repetitive drilling; instead, practice the down cue 5–10 times per short session across multiple days. This breed matures slowly and learns best through gentle, consistent repetition rather than intensity.
Frequently asked questions
My Newfoundland puppy jumps up before lying down. How do I stop this?+
This is common in young Newfoundlands. Set them up for success by ensuring they're already sitting calmly, and lure the treat so slowly and directly downward that jumping isn't an option. If they do jump, simply withdraw the treat and start again. Patience and consistency work better than corrections with this sweet, sensitive breed.
How long should each training session be?+
Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes, even though Newfoundlands are trainable (4/5). Their slow maturity means they benefit from frequent, short sessions over weeks rather than intensive drills. Three short sessions a day is ideal; quality matters far more than quantity.
My Newfoundland won't stay in the down position for more than a few seconds.+
This is normal early on. Increase duration very gradually—add just one second at a time over multiple sessions. Reward heavily for even short periods. Newfoundlands can hold positions well once confident, but rushing this step often leads to frustration for both dog and owner.
Should I use food treats, or will other rewards work?+
Newfoundlands are highly food-motivated, so treats are ideal for building this skill. However, once solid, you can sometimes substitute praise or affection. Their devoted, people-pleasing nature means they do value your approval—but treats are your best accelerator during the learning phase.