Down
means “lay in place” until I release you or give you something else to do. The
“place” can be the floor, or a specific blanket, or a dog bed or in a spot at your feet.
Down is
used to keep the dog quiet and under control in a relaxed position while you do other things.
To teach your dog the down
command, start with the dog in the “sit” position. Use a food lure directly in front of the
dog’s nose, no further than ½ inch away, and slowly move the treat down between the dog’s front paws. Do
not move your hand forward away from the dog. Remember to go straight down SLOWLY between his front paws.
You won’t need to add the command “down” until the dog is consistently and quickly following the
treat into the down position every time. You can let the dog lick and nibble at the treat every time his
head follows it down a little at first until he figures out that he has to keep his tail down and then put his head down at
the same time. As soon as his chest is on the surface, say good and give him the treat.
If he gets up at the point, its o.k. Don’t scold or correct him, just start the exercise
again.
If he does not get up, release him (see release words) and give him another reward.
When the
dog downs consistently and quickly, go ahead and add the word just as his chest hits the surface so he can associate the word
with the action. Palm the treat in your hand for just a second, give the release word, and reward.
Do not say “stay”. Stay is used to indicate that you’re going to add distance
or duration and is confusing to the dog and unnecessary.
If he gets up before you release him,
simply return him to position until he learns he has to wait for the release word before he can get up.
