We are trying to get our 3 1/2 month old Rhodesian Ridgeback to stay down. She will sit on command and she will lie down if we are using a treat reward but she will not stay lying down. With a treat in my palm I will slowly drop my hand to the floor and then away from her and give the command down followed by the command to stay. She will follow my hand but the moment she get the treat she sits back up. If I keep saying stay and don't give the treat she will stay down but only until she gets the treat or until she gives up and then it is right back to sitting. How do I get her to stay in the lying down position. We went to a puppy class and the instructor actually held her paws down and had a elbow in her back to stop her from getting up. She had a complete fit and was yelping and crying like she was being murdered even though she was not being hurt at all. It was not pleasant for the dog or us and it didn't work either. Any suggestions?

You may be over using the treats. Try it without the treat, or hold the treat until you release the dog with OK or free dog. Make eye contact with the dog, and call its name and ''down!'' it a quiet, but firm voice. Hold your hand out, palm down. Do not repeat the command, just hold eye contact. Gently pull him down by the forearms if you have to. Praise him once down. Eye contact is very important.

You may have to go to calming and settling him first. Likely he is big enough now to use placing him on the floor on his side with his legs away from you. Use your hands on his neck shoulder area and middle to hold him in that position. When he is quiet, praise him. When he accepts that position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.

The settle is like a down stay, but not the same. It must be done on leash. Encourage him onto a down. He can be on his side or belly. Anchor the leash with your foot so the puppy can't get up. If he is quiet, praise him. If he struggles, keep him anchored until he stops struggling. Stay calm. At least wait for a brief pause, and then release him. Repeat until he will stay quiet for 30-60 seconds. All these may work better when the puppy is tired.

You are dealing with a big boy, and perhaps a difficult one at that. Some dogs are just more of a challenge than others. I think you would do well to pick up a copy of The art of Raising a Puppy by the Monks of New Skete, http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ I am sure there are many other excellent books out there, but I know the Monks' books are great.

Hi,
Training to lie down, then stay there are two different things, as you stated in your question.
Here is a link with some good suggestion as to how to get her to stay down:
http://www.petplace.com/dogs/how-to-...and/page1.aspx

At the site, scroll on down to the "stay" heading.
I do wish you and she the best, and remember, patience is the key. Good luck.