How to Teach a St. Bernard to Lie Down
St. Bernards are gentle giants with a naturally calm temperament, making them well-suited to learning the down command—though their moderate trainability (3/5) and slow maturity mean patience is essential. Teaching "down" is a cornerstone exercise for this breed, as it channels their low-to-moderate energy level constructively and builds the impulse control needed to prevent jumping and leash pulling, both common St. Bernard challenges. Because these dogs are motivated by food and praise rather than high-intensity play, positive reinforcement works beautifully with them. Mastering this cue also creates a solid foundation for teaching the "settle" behavior, which helps manage their size and strength in household settings. This guide uses step-by-step techniques designed for St. Bernards' patient, food-motivated nature.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with a lure and your St. Bernard's favorite treat
Find a quiet, distraction-free space indoors. Ask your St. Bernard to sit first, then hold a high-value treat (cheese, chicken) close to their nose. Slowly move your hand downward and back toward their chest, allowing their nose to follow the treat naturally into a down position. Work in short 5-minute sessions to respect their moderate energy level.
- 2
Add the verbal cue 'down'
As your dog's elbows touch the ground, clearly say 'down' in a calm, steady voice—St. Bernards respond well to gentle tones. Immediately reward with the treat and praise. Repeat this 5–8 times per session over several days until your dog begins to anticipate the cue. Given their slow maturity, consistency over weeks is more effective than rushed training.
- 3
Fade the lure and use an open-hand gesture
Once your St. Bernard responds reliably to the verbal cue, stop using the treat as a lure and replace it with an open-palm downward gesture. Give the cue 'down' and reward heavily when they comply. This visual marker helps your large dog understand the behavior even from a distance.
- 4
Increase duration by asking them to stay down
Ask your dog to lie down, then wait 3–5 seconds before rewarding. Gradually extend this time to 10–15 seconds over multiple sessions. St. Bernards' low energy naturally supports longer holds, but avoid pushing to the point of discomfort or boredom.
- 5
Practice in different locations with minimal distractions
Move from your training room to other indoor spaces: the kitchen, hallway, or living room. Keeping initial distractions minimal respects their moderate trainability. Once reliable indoors, practice on a long leash in a quiet outdoor setting before trying busier environments.
- 6
Integrate 'down' into daily routines and impulse-control scenarios
Ask your St. Bernard to lie down before meals, when guests arrive, or during walks when you need them to settle. This teaches them that lying down is a default behavior that earns reward, reducing jumping and leash pulling over time. Consistency across contexts solidifies the skill and builds the impulse control this breed benefits from.
Pro tips
- St. Bernards drool heavily—have a towel nearby during training, especially during longer sessions. Keeping them comfortable and dry helps them focus.
- Use a calm, quiet tone when teaching this breed. St. Bernards are sensitive and respond beautifully to gentle praise rather than excited, loud commands.
- Practice 'down' before walks or when guests arrive. Teaching your St. Bernard to settle on cue addresses two of their most common challenges: jumping and leash pulling.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my St. Bernard take so long to learn 'down' compared to other dogs?+
St. Bernards have moderate trainability (3/5) and mature slowly—some don't fully mature until age 2–3. This is completely normal. Stay patient, use consistent, positive reinforcement, and train in short sessions. Their calm temperament is an asset; they just need time and repetition to solidify new behaviors.
My St. Bernard is 6 months old and still jumps despite knowing 'down.' What am I doing wrong?+
Jumping in young St. Bernards is typical as they grow and explore. Make sure you're asking for 'down' *before* they jump, not after—prevent the behavior proactively. Reward heavily when all four paws stay on the ground. Be patient; impulse control develops as they mature. Consistent daily 45-minute exercise will also help channel excess energy.
Can I train 'down' when my St. Bernard is tired or just had exercise?+
Yes, timing can actually work in your favor. Since St. Bernards have low-to-moderate energy, training after their 45-minute daily exercise often improves focus and reduces distraction. However, avoid training when they're so tired they're not interested in treats—aim for a calm, responsive state.
Should I use the same treats every training session?+
Rotate high-value rewards (chicken, cheese, special kibble) to keep motivation fresh and prevent your St. Bernard from getting bored. Consistency in *when* and *why* you reward matters more than using identical treats every time.