Teaching a Dog Down
Keep these important tips in mind:
- Wait until the dog sits quickly and eagerly on command before trying to teach "down"
- Resist the temptation to repeat "down, down, down" over and over before the dog actually lies down.
- to encourage the dog's head downward, use a closed hand target with treats, or an attractive object such as a squeaky toy, ball, feather, etc.
- When using treats as a reward it helps if the dog is slightly hungry.
- Never pull down on the leash, as this will trigger the dog's "opposition reflex" and cause him to push up.
- Never yell at or harshly scold the dog-this may frighten him and slow down the learning process.
- Speak in a soft, encouraging, praising voice.
- The dog should learn to obey this command from every memeber of the family.
Begin with the dog sitting at your side with the closed hand target about an inch in front of his nose, and slowly lower the target hand with the treat/toy straight down to the floor. The dog's head should follow downward, his nose staying within an inch or two of the target hand. Once your target hand is touching the floor and as he reaches to smell or take the object, slowly move the target hand away from him. As he reaches for the goodie he should lower his body to the down position. As he is lowering his body, say "Down", and when he is in the position immediately reward with the treat/toy, praising and stroking him. Next, lure his nose to one side toward one of his hips until he shifts his weight and rests on the opposite hip. This is important because if the dog's rear legs remain directly under him, he's in a "ready position" to quickly stand up and resist your control. Shifting to one hip produces a more comfortable, compliant and secure position from which he is less likely to move.
Success depends on the motivation of the dog and his desire for the treat or object-it must be a strong enough motivation for him to eagerly follow the target hand to the floor. Do not push down on his back-remember, dogs resist pressure,so pushing will simply make him push back. Use a more desirable treat or object (up the ante), or wait until the dog is hungrier if the dog hesitates in performing the down. After the dog has learned to lie down on command, follow the previous instructions for "Stay" for this position as well.