Dog Obedience Training for the Down Command
A fun command for you and your dog to learn is the down command. Dog tricks are a great way to bond with your pet and this simple command teaches your dog to lay down, lowering themselves to the floor. The down command and sit command are both viable options to stop your dog from jumping up on house visitors.
Rules To Remember When Training Your Dog the Down Command
The rules found in other obedience training commands are the same for the down command.
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Always reward your dog and praise them for correct efforts.
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Never get upset or yell at your dog for failing to perform the action you commanded.
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Take your time while training the down command. Your dog should not be training straight for longer than 15 minutes at a time.
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Start slow and in a distraction free environment.
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Have other members of your family jump in and assist in the training. Make sure they are following the exact command cues and gestures you are using.
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Always have fun doing it. Your dog looks at obedience training as playing and it should be an exciting activity for both you and your dog.
Two Types of Down Command Training
There are two main ways of teaching the down command to your dog. There are countless variations within each of the two methods. You may adopt the technique that works best for you and your dog.
1 - The first method is the owner action method. Here you will convince the dog to follow your lead and have them naturally settle down to the floor. With the dog sitting and a treat in your hand hold it out in front of the dog's nose. Begin to lower the treat down towards the floor and at the same time arc your arm so that the treat eventually ends up further away from the dog. You are creating a backwards arc with the treat. By doing this you will lead the dog's head down to the floor, then as the treat moves away, the dog stretches out to follow. While performing the arc use a cue word such as "down".
This will take practice as the first couple times the dog most likely will walk forward after your hand. Just have the dog sit down and retry the method. As soon as the dog performs the down command correctly, reward them with the treat. Continue doing this until the dog can lay down by hearing the command only with out any arm motion.
2 - The second method is the dog action method. For this you will physically maneuver the dog down into a lying position. First use the sit command and have the dog settle down on their behind. Then grab both front paws gently and begin to stretch them out in front of the dog. Sometimes it's best to keep the dog's mind busy looking at something in order to be able to maneuver their legs. You could have a second person hold a toy in front of the dog.
As you physically place the dog in the down position make sure to use the cue word "down". When they are in the position hand them the treat and give them praise. Repeat again and again as the repetition will be the only way these techniques will sink in. |
Try the first method to see if your dog will understand. Like I stated earlier, there are countless variations within each method so adopt what works best for your dog. For instance, instead of a toy possibly the dogs favorite treat would work.
Most Common Dog Obedience Commands
Click on each of the following commands for detail training on each one.
