The Down Command
... how to teach your dog to lie down
Teach your dog the down command. Training a puppy this dog obedience command is easy with this technique. Useful tips on teaching your dog how to do a down.
Many dog training techniques involve a lot of careful practice and require very close attention to your dog’s behaviors. Luckily, with the “Down” command, all you need is a treat, some time, and love for your puppy.
Down is the next command that you teach your dog after “Sit.” It involves the leading technique, and while simple to implement it can take a little bit longer than the Sit technique so be sure and give your dog a little bit of extra patience and do not expect perfect results right way.
Teaching Your Dog the Down Command
With every trick you teach your dog, the down command should only be one syllable. For lying down, we will use the word “down.”
Step 1: Get your dog to sit.
Your dog should already know sit, so tell your dog to sit and reward them for completing the task as usual.
Step 2: Hold the treat near your dog’s nose.
Since this technique involves leading your dog, you will want your dog to smell the treat in your hand and pay attention to it.
Step 3: Say your dog’s name and say “Down.”
Saying your dog’s name helps teach your pet their name, as well as ensures you get their attention. While “down” can work on its own, using your dog’s name first (such as “Fido, Down!”) helps your dog learn that when you say its name and a command, it is expected to follow.
Step 4: Lower your hand down at moderate speed.
By lowering your treat hand in front of your attentive dog, the dog is led downwards. Make sure you do not go too fast or your dog may not follow, but also refrain from moving too slowly as you want to make sure your dog lays down as soon after the command as possible.
Step 5: Reward and Praise
As soon as your dog lay’s down, shower your dog with praise and be sure and give them the treat.
Continue to repeat this process until it appears your dog is responding to the command. Once that occurs, perform the same actions but without the “Sit” command. Place the treat in front of your dog while they are standing and lead them straight down with the down command. If your dog appears lost after multiple tries, be patient and consider starting over from the sit command again until your dog is once again responding well to the command.
Training your dog is not only simple – it is fun as well! Once you learn the proper techniques, you can train your dog in a variety of tricks that will both be useful and allow you to bond with your dog. But to learn these techniques you need the right instruction. Sign up for a free newsletter today and start learning the tools that the pros use every day.
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