How to Teach a Dog to Crawl

Co-authored by Ty Brown

Last Updated: January 31, 2023

Teaching your dog new tricks can be a lot of fun for both you and your dog. Dogs are capable of learning a variety of tricks and learning how to crawl can be one of them. Before you get started teaching your dog how to crawl, it can be a good idea to learn more about what's involved. This will let you teach your dog quickly and effectively.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Setting Up the Space

1
Get some treats ready. A major part of training your dog is rewarding good behavior with a treat. This sends a positive message to your dog that a certain behavior was the right thing to do and that he should want to do it again in the future. Always make sure you have a healthy treat ready to give to your dog when training.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Ty Brown
Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.}
- Don't over feed your dog treats.
- Treats should only be around the size of a pea.
- Treats should only be given to your dog when he does something you want to reinforce.
- Dogs can eat many healthy treats. Try offering bits of carrot, sweet potato, or a slice of apple.
2
Keep the space calm. Dogs learn new tricks best when you train him in a quiet, distraction free environment. If there are too many other things going on, your dog may not give you his full attention. Always make sure that the place you are training your dog in will allow him to fully focus.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Ty Brown
Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 4 June 2020.}
- For example, avoid a busy public park. Try to find a quiet space that your dog can focus in.
- Familiar environments are better than new ones.
Advertisement
3
Don't force anything. Just like humans, your dog can get stressed out if he feels he isn't getting things right or is doing the same thing too much. Whenever you are training your dog, try to avoid any prolonged sessions or pushing your dog to learn something too quickly. If your dog seems to be having trouble learning a new trick, take a break and come back to it later.
- Taking a break can be more effective than pushing through.
- If you think your dog has lost interest, stop for the day.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Teaching the Lie Down Command

1
Put a collar on your dog. Training your dog with a collar on can help you to keep him focused and under control. Before you start teaching your dog how to lay down, make sure the collar is properly and comfortably in place. Here are some tips that can help you put the collar on safely and securely:
- The collar should be placed around the dog's neck, settling around where his neck meets his chest.
- Tighten the collar to a point where you can slip two fingers under the collar.
- Don't make the collar too tight or too loose.
2
Get in position. The first step in teaching your dog the lie down command is to stand by your dog in a certain way. You will need to have your dig sit down and then stand next to him on his right side. Your hand should be able to reach the dog's collar from here. This position will allow you the best control over your dog while teaching him to lie down.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Have a treat ready to offer your dog. The treat will be the focus your dog uses to lie down.
- Place the treat in your right hand and put your left hand on the dog's collar.
3
Use the “down” command. Once you are in position, you can start teaching your dog the verbal “down” command. Standing next to your dog, show him the treat in your right hand. Once he is aware of this, lower the treat down to the ground. Say the command “down” to your dog so that he associates the word with the motion and the treat.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- If your dog is having trouble, you can try gently pushing him down with your left hand to start the motion.
4
Reward your dog. Rewarding your dog for properly performing the lie down trick is key. As soon as your dog responds and lies down, give him the treat he was following. Your dog will come to associate this movement with rewards and in time will respond to the verbal “down” command alone.^{[5]
X
Research source}
- You can also use a clicker. Click whenever you offer a treat, causing your dog to associate the sound with the trick.
5
Repeat. Practice makes perfect. Keep working with your dog to make the lie down command an easy and natural thing for him. The more you practice the command, the easier it will be for your dog to understand what you want and how to do the lie down trick.
- At first, try to practice at least once every day.
- Practicing a few times a day can be a good idea.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Teaching the Crawl Command

1
Have your dog lie down. The first step to take when teaching your dog how to crawl is to have him lie down. This will get him in position and ready to focus on the new trick he is learning. If your dog doesn't already know the lie down trick, consider teaching him this first before teaching him how to crawl.^{[6]
X
Research source}
- Have a treat ready to help your dog focus and to reward him with.
2
Use the "crawl" command. Once your dog is lying down, take a few steps in front of him. Squat down and show your dog the treat. Keep the treat low to the ground and say “crawl.” Your dog should start to crawl along the ground, trying to get the treat from you. Reward your dog immediately if he crawled correctly.
- Your dog may stand up and walk over to you. If this is the case, start over from the lying down position.
- You should only be a few steps away from your dog at first. Walking too far away may confuse your dog.
- Make sure your dog crawled correctly before rewarding him. Your dog will repeat whatever behavior you reward.
3
Increase the distance. Once your dog starts to understand what the “crawl” command means, you can start to increase the distance your dog crawls. Work gradually, taking a few steps more each time you train your dog. This will increase how far your dog can crawl as well as reinforce the trick overall.
- Always work slowly to increase the distance your dog is crawling.
- Practice around twice a day.

Expert Q&A

Question

Will teaching my dog to crawl make them more obedient?

Ty Brown
Dog Trainer
Ty Brown is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Owner of Ty the Dog Guy, a business that provides dog training through digital resources (podcasts, web series, and online courses) along with in-person dog training. Ty has over 17 years of experience in dog training and specializes in both mitigating unruly pet behavior and service dog training. Ty has been awarded the "Best of State Award" for dog training in Utah ten times and his work has been featured in ABC, NBC, CBS, Spike TV, and Entrepreneur Magazine.

Ty Brown

Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Absolutely. Teaching your dog to do basically anything will make them more obedient. Training your dog makes them focus and devote energy towards the task at hand. This is not only good with behavior, but it will also strengthen your bond with your dog and makes them more likely to listen to you in the future.
Question

How long does it take?

I Read Books About Animals

Top Answerer

How much patience do you have? Answer that question before asking another. Anyway, it doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you have patience.
Question

My dog crawled a little, but after a few times crawling a few inches, she just looks around and I don't know how to get her attention without confusing her, like saying, "come," instead of "crawl." What can I do?

Community Answer

Reward her as soon as she starts crawling, then steadily expand the distance of her crawling until she's got it down. Clicker training works wonders, but verbal and food/toy praise also work great.