Dogs Talkup

The down command is the next lesson to teach in your dog obedience training schedule. It should be taught as soon as you and your dog have mastered the sit command. The down command is a fundamental ingredient of your overall dog obedience training program. It provides the foundation for many other advanced commands/skills and establishes you as the leader in the relationship you share with your dog.

The down command is a very handy tool you will come to rely on in many situations. Popping your dog down into the lying down position is great for times when you need to go into a shop or for occasions when there are small children around. What you are trying to achieve with the down command is to have your dog quickly get down into the laying position, belly touching the ground and his front legs extended out in front.

Teach Dog Down Command

HERE ARE THE STEPS TO TEACH YOUR DOG “DOWN” COMMAND :

STEP 1.          Put your dog into a sitting position.

STEP 2.          Grab your dog’s favorite tasty treat and hold it a couple of                             centimeters in front of his/her nose. Move your hand straight down to the ground. Your dog should follow it down. As soon as his belly hits the ground, with his legs out in front, lavish him with praise and give the treat.

STEP 3.          Repeat this action over and over in short sharp training sessions.

STEP 4.          When your dog is “getting it” and going down right away, you can add the verbal part of the command. Use the “down” or “lay” command. Add your command just before you start to move the treat towards the ground. This step is all about building an association in your dog’s mind between the verbal “down” command and the act of him lying down.

STEP 5.          The idea is that eventually, after plenty of repetition and praise your dog will only require your verbal command, and not the treat in your hand to lure him down. Also, in time you will be able to start the command not only from the sitting position but from standing and in any situation you and your dog are in.

STEP 6.          When your dog is responding well to your verbal command, introduce some other variables which make the down command a little more challenging. Try the command as you go about your daily business, around other people or dogs and increase the duration of the command.