Teaching Your Dog "Down"
From your dog's view point, the down command is one of the difficult to accept. This position is submissive in a wild pack situation. A timid dog will roll over, which is a natural gesture of submission. A bolder pup will want to get up and might back off, not wanting to submit. The dog will feel as though she's about to be punished, which would be the position in a natural environment. Once your dog understands this is not the case and there are rewards for obeying, she will accept this position.
1. With a puppy or a small dog, it will be easier to teach the down command if you are kneeling next to her. With dogs that are willing to please, the first method should work: Have your dog sit and hold a treat in front of her nose. When her full attention is on the treat, start to lower the treat slowly to the ground. The dog should follow the treat with her hand. Bring the treat out slowly in front of the pup. If you are lucky, your dog's legs will slide forward, and she will lie down. Give her the treat and lots of praise for. When you know that your dog will go down on every attempt, you can start to say the command.
2. You could wait until your dog does the action you're looking for like the video below. Then use a clicker and praise the dog.
Here are some extra tips for teaching your dog to do the down command.
- Remember that this is a very submissive act on the dog's behalf, so there is no need to rush matters.
- Don't confuse your dog by using the down command for anything other than lying down. For example, if you want your dog to get off the couch, use another word, like "Off," to get your point across.
1. With a puppy or a small dog, it will be easier to teach the down command if you are kneeling next to her. With dogs that are willing to please, the first method should work: Have your dog sit and hold a treat in front of her nose. When her full attention is on the treat, start to lower the treat slowly to the ground. The dog should follow the treat with her hand. Bring the treat out slowly in front of the pup. If you are lucky, your dog's legs will slide forward, and she will lie down. Give her the treat and lots of praise for. When you know that your dog will go down on every attempt, you can start to say the command.
2. You could wait until your dog does the action you're looking for like the video below. Then use a clicker and praise the dog.
Here are some extra tips for teaching your dog to do the down command.
- Remember that this is a very submissive act on the dog's behalf, so there is no need to rush matters.
- Don't confuse your dog by using the down command for anything other than lying down. For example, if you want your dog to get off the couch, use another word, like "Off," to get your point across.
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