Teaching the ‘down dog’ command, is a basic of dog training. My article here will show you the basics of the ‘down’ command.
This lesson is best taught outside, in a open area your dog trusts, free from ALL distractions. An empty beach or park, or your back yard is ideal.
Start by getting your dogs attention and attendance with a favorite treat (cut up cheese, chicken or sausage perhaps). You want to start by getting the dog standing out in front of you.. Now hold a little reward out in front of his nose, and then place it towards the ground out in front of him. Keep it far enough away that he knows he cant have it yet though. Restrain him if need be. Now say your ‘down’ command that you wish to use, both voice and hand movement and repeat it until he understands and lays down.
After he lies down, let him have his treat by moving it to him, as he is lying down.
We dont want him to get the reward, until he has done the whole motion. Dont reward him for a half job. If your dog doesnt want to go down, persuade him gently by pushing on his back, then treat him when hes down fully. Keep this up, you want to keep going until the dog learns that he is rewarded when he lies right down. It shouldnt take very long if he is hungry!
Once your dog lays down with confidence, next hold the food a couple of inches off the ground away from him. We hope he will learn to lie down, anticipating the treat!
This will most likely confuse him initially, but again motion him with guidance, and reward on FULL completion of the lie down manoeuver.
After practice of this, start giving the ‘down’ command (hand motion and voice instruction) before you present the treat to lead the dog down.
Slowly now try and reduce the dogs need for the treat for a reward, so that he response more to the hand motion and command. Hold the treat at a farther distance each time, and place less emphasis on giving the reward with each repetition. Get him to accept your happiness as reward for following the voice and hand commands.
Posted under dog training
This post was written by admin on May 6, 2009
