Teaching the “Down” Command

Once the sit and stay command have been introduced and are somewhat solid, it is time to move on to the “down” command. This command is so useful. It can be used when guests arrive to deter jumping and licking and barking. It can be used during vet visits in the waiting area. It is great to use while walking your dog if you stop to visit.  It is a great way for your dog to meet small children.

This is the way I teach this command. You will need small, soft treats. With your dog in the heel position (on your left side, sitting with his shoulders and the seam of your pants aligned) or facing your dog with him sitting, give him the “stay” command.  At this point, practice your “watch” command we learned last time. Once you have captured your dog’s attention, take the treat, hold it in front of the dog’s nose, bend down and place the treat on the ground, still holding it, in front of the dog. While you execute this motion, say the word “down”. The dog should go down to get to the treat. If this is accomplished, release the treat to your dog.

If not, set the dog up again: “Sit, stay, watch”.  Then make the motion with the treat again and gently pull the dog down, with your other hand, by the collar and from under the neck. If you are successful, release the treat.

You may find that the dog may try to bend down and not go down all the way. Make sure the dog is going all the way down, chest and rear on the ground, before you release the treat.

Once this behavior is solid, practice the “down, stay” command. Same as the “sit, stay” command, once the dog is down, hold off on the treat, say “stay” and back away from your dog. If the dog stays, give him the treat. If he does not, set him up again. From here, the dog holds the stay for longer and longer time periods before the reward is given. Also increase the distance you move away from your dog, even leaving the room for a challenge.

In the obedience ring, the dog will stay with the handler in sight for a three minutes in novice and five minutes with the handler out of sight in open.

Whether you are showing in obedience, or just want a well trained dog who can lie down and stay at your direction, this command is very useful for your companion dog.

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 This article was written by Caroline Oldham of http://dogtrainingonlinetips.com - your online source for training tips, real life stories and advice in dealing with dogs. We ask that you consult with a professional dog trainer, veterinarian or canine behaviorist before implementing any of the advice or opinions contained on this site.