How to Teach a Brittany to Lie Down
Teaching a Brittany to lie down is more than just a cute trick—it's a foundation for managing their naturally high energy and intensity. Brittanys are bright, eager, and highly trainable (4/5), but their 5/5 energy level means they often struggle with impulse control and settling. The "down" cue becomes a tool to help your Brittany self-regulate and redirect that restless drive into calm focus. This is especially valuable since Brittanys can develop destructive habits when bored or under-stimulated. By teaching a reliable down in short, positive sessions, you're building their confidence while giving them a productive outlet for their intelligence. Combined with the recommended 90 minutes of daily exercise, this command helps create a balanced, well-adjusted companion.
Step-by-step
- 1
Start with a sit on a soft surface
Begin in a quiet, low-distraction space like a carpeted living room or mat. Ask your Brittany to sit first, since most respond well to this foundational cue. The soft surface makes lying down physically comfortable and rewarding, encouraging them to choose that position.
- 2
Lure downward with a high-value treat
Hold a treat close to their nose and slowly lower it between their front paws, moving it slightly backward toward their chest. Move slowly enough that your Brittany follows the treat naturally, bending their elbows and lowering their body. Avoid pushing or forcing; let their intelligence and eagerness guide the motion.
- 3
Mark and reward the instant they touch elbows down
The moment your Brittany's elbows or belly touches the ground, say "Yes!" or use a clicker, then immediately reward with the treat and praise. Timing is critical—your Brittany's intelligence means they'll quickly understand exactly what earned the reward. Keep sessions brief (2–3 minutes) to match their high energy and maintain enthusiasm.
- 4
Add the verbal cue once the behavior is consistent
After several successful reps, say "Down" just before luring them into the position. After a week or two of pairing the word with the action, your Brittany should begin responding to the cue alone. Their eagerness to please makes them quick learners once the pattern is clear.
- 5
Gradually increase duration and reduce luring
Once they reliably lie down on cue, ask them to hold the position for a few extra seconds before rewarding. Slowly phase out the treat lure by using an open hand signal instead. Brittanys can be sensitive, so always keep the tone upbeat and rewarding to prevent frustration.
- 6
Practice in different environments and use it for settling
Train in various rooms and outdoor settings so the cue works reliably everywhere. Use "down" as a settling tool before meals, when visitors arrive, or when your Brittany shows signs of restlessness—this helps redirect their hyperactivity into calm focus. Pair it with chew toys to extend the settle and manage boredom-related destructiveness.
Pro tips
- Use high-value treats (small pieces of chicken, cheese, or liver) during initial training—Brittanys are food-motivated and their intelligence means they quickly associate rewards with behavior, speeding up learning.
- Train after exercise: with 5/5 energy, your Brittany is far more likely to settle and focus if they've already burned off some of that restless drive—it makes the down cue feel like a natural reward, not a frustration.
- Pair down with a designated mat or bed and use it during high-arousal moments (visitors, mealtime, before outdoor activity) to turn impulse control into a habit that reduces destructive boredom behaviors.
Frequently asked questions
My Brittany learns the behavior but won't lie down if they're too excited. What should I do?+
Brittanys are naturally high-energy, so start training after a play or exercise session when they're calmer. If excitement spikes during training, take a break and resume later. Building down as a settling cue takes time with energetic dogs, but their high trainability means consistency pays off quickly.
Should I use a mat or bed to teach down?+
Yes, absolutely. A designated mat or bed gives your Brittany a clear target and makes the soft landing rewarding. Over time, the mat becomes a visual cue for settling, which is extra helpful for managing their destructive boredom when you need them to stay in one spot.
My Brittany sometimes lies down but pops back up immediately. How do I extend the hold?+
This is normal for high-energy breeds. Once they're down, reward them staying for just 1–2 extra seconds, then release with enthusiasm. Gradually extend the hold by a second or two each session. Brittanys respond well to clear release cues like "OK!" to understand when the behavior ends.
How often should I practice to see results?+
Brittanys learn quickly, so 2–3 short training sessions per day (5 minutes each) are ideal. Their sensitivity and high intelligence mean they can lose interest in repetitive drilling, so keep sessions fun and vary your rewards. Most Brittanys will have a solid down in 1–2 weeks with consistent, positive practice.